The Miss Czech Slovak Minnesota Pageant is looking for young women of Czech, Slovak or Moravian heritage to compete for the state title, according to a press release. The 31st annual Miss Czech Slovak Minnesota Pageant will be April 18 at the American Legion club in Montgomery.

The competition is for women between the ages of 16 and 26 years old. The pageant winners receive cash awards, crowns and will have a year of memorable appearances throughout the state of Minnesota. The 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 1 to 2 p.m. Jan. 12 at Montgomery Oil Co. 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 1 p.m. The Miss Czech Slovak Minnesota Pageant Committee extends a warm welcome to all interested contestants, parents and family members to attend the meeting, the release stated.

The application deadline is March 1. For information and a registration form, contact Lorraine David at 507-364-9370 or 507-364-5384 or email davidsdiner@hotmail.com or missczechslovakmn@hotmail.com. The pageant website is 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. April 18. A reception and dance will follow the coronation. Dinner and pageant tickets are available from Jerry or Lorraine David at 507-364-9370 or at Montgomery Oil Co.

The reigning Miss Czech Slovak Minnesota Queen is Autumn Gare of Montgomery, daughter of Joshua and Linda Gare. Miss Czech Slovak Minnesota First Princess is Megan Domonoske, daughter of David and Amy Domonoske of Waterville.