The Miss Czech Slovak Minnesota Pageant is looking for young women of Czech, Slovak or Moravian heritage to compete for the state title. The 27th annual Miss Czech Slovak Minnesota Pageant will be April 9 at the American Legion Club in Montgomery.

The competition is for women between the ages of 16 and 26. The pageant winners receive cash awards, crowns and will have a year of memorable appearances throughout the state of Minnesota. Thie unique pageant focuses on the heritage of the Czech, Slovak or Moravian candidates. The new Miss Czech Slovak Minnesota queen travels to the National Miss Czech Slovak U.S. Pageant in Wilber, Nebraska, in early August.

There will be an informational pageant meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 31 at Montgomery Oil Company and David’s Diner, 200 Fourth St. NW., in Montgomery. The telephone number for Montgomery Oil Co. and David’s Diner is 507-364-9370. A light lunch will be served at noon. According to a press release, the Miss Czech Slovak Minnesota Pageant Committee extends a warm welcome to all interested contestants, parents and family members to attend this meeting.

The application deadline is March 1. For information and a registration form contact Lorraine David 507-364-9370 or 507-364-5384 or Ashley Zimanske 952-201-4107 or email davidsdiner@hotmail.com or missczechslovakmn@hotmail.com. The pageant website is at  http://www.missczechslovakmnpageant.org.

The Miss Czech Slovak Minnesota Pageant will feature ethnic foods served at 5 p.m. with the pageant beginning at 7 p.m. A reception and dance will follow the coronation. Dinner and pageant tickets are available from Jerry or Lorraine David 507-364-9370 or at Montgomery Oil Co.

The reigning Miss Czech Slovak Minnesota Queen is Elizabeth Kaliska of St. Paul, daughter of James and Patricia Kaliska; Miss Czech Slovak Minnesota Princess is Madison Jerde, daughter of David and Kathy Jerde of Golden Valley; and Miss Czech Slovak Minnesota Miss Congeniality is Emily Vikla, daughter of David and Kelly Vikla of Lonsdale.