Now in its 29th year the Senior Queen Competition celebrates the contribution of all women in the Central Otago district.
 

We invite the community to sponsor a friend, a family member, someone from a club or group - a woman 65 years and older who you feel is that someone special who has made a contribution or made a difference and deserves recognition.

The 2023 Winning Senior Queens

From Left:

Jill Checketts (winner) and her assistants Linda Leckie and  Angela Pratley.

Jill Checketts, representing 50 Squadron (Alexandra) Air Training Corps from Wānaka, was crowned the Senior Queen at the 2023 Alexandra Blossom Festival.

The crowning ceremony took place at a special event held at the Alexandra District Club on Tuesday, September 19. Angela Pratley (Combined Lions Clubs of Clyde & Districts) and Linda Leckie (Alexandra Senior Citizens) were announced as the runners-up. They joined Jill on the Contact Energy float during the Alexandra Blossom Festival Grand Parade on Saturday, September 23.

The head judge, Tim Cadogan, who is also the mayor of Central Otago, mentioned that the judging process was challenging as all the candidates were deserving of the crown. However, Jill's remarkable 24 years of supporting young people through the Air Training Corps made her stand out.

Jill expressed feeling "very honored and humbled" to win the crown.

Why get involved:
We seek nominations of women who want to have some fun, be involved in Blossom Festival and relish the opportunity of being Queen for the Day. As someone who nominates your choice for Festival Senior Queen you too will have an opportunity to be part of the fun.

Requirements:

• A ready smile
• A willingness to participate and enjoy the occasion and generally be a “good sort”
• You, her nominator is invited to be her guest and companion to share in the fun and festivities.

Past Winners Reviews:

"It was a really happy uplifting experience for me”.  
- Esther McKay, Queen in 2017.

“I was proud to represent the Club which nominated me. I met wonderful ladies in the competition. It was a great programme which led me to meeting more interesting people”
- Maureen Bush. Queen in  2014.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the occasion and would encourage all women to take part”
- Jennifer Bowie. Queen in 2009.