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A new Miss Russet was named last night after contestants’ talent and pageantry

Jeff Kelley

IDAHO FALLS:  After an excellent display of talent, poise, and appearance, Zoey Poulsen of Shelley was named the new Miss Russet for 2023-24 at the Miss Russet pageant held at the Idaho Falls Civic Center yesterday evening.

SEE PHOTOS OF EVENT AT THE END OF ARTICLE

Last night, the annual Miss Russet pageant was held before a large audience at the civic auditorium in Idaho Falls. The night began with pageant director Christine Nelson, who introduced her husband, Gregg Nelson, as Emcee of the pageant. Nelson played to the crowd to the program’s theme, “A Little Bit Country,” by wearing a swanky-styled hat for a few minutes before flinging it to the ground.

The performance began with a production number, “Days Gone By,” performed by the contestants and choreographed by Tara DeRoche.

The entertainment for the night was provided by Paul Jardine from Star Valley, Wyoming, who performed “Amarillo by Morning” and “Drivin My Life Away.”

The pageant contestants’ first performance was the Physical Fitness Routine. This was performed to the music of “Cotton Eye Joe” and choreographed by Terra Hulse.

The Talent Presentation began following a couple of “dad jokes” by Mr. Funny Pants, Gregg Nelson. Each contestant danced, sang, or performed an instrument, such as a violin and flute solo. Contestant Lauren Giles expressed her talent through a unique flower bouquet-making session on stage.

The crowd was then entertained by the former reigning Miss Russet Maylee Murdoch, who sang and performed a tap dance to “Singing in the Rain.”

The audience was then treated to a visual presentation prepared by Sherri Baron of the Miss Russet Contestants’ Years of growing up to the music “Never Grow Up.”

The contestants then donned their ball gowns and performed their poise and appearance routine to a country medley. During the performance, a judge asked each contestant about the service project she would perform if crowned Miss Russet.

The event wrapped up with a hostess introduction and the former reigning Miss Russet Maylee Murdoch’s recap video of her reigning year and a final walk, including a dance with her father. This dance was a tender moment for the audience to see.

The crowd was then entertained by Gregg Nelson’s jokes about statistics and comparisons while the judges compiled their conclusions.

Then came the announcement of the new Miss Russet. (View Facebook Live of the event.)

This portion of the event began with Sherri Baron of Baron Photography announcing Analee French as Miss Photogenic. This year, the pageant presented a $250 Service Fellowship Scholarship for service projects performed by the contestants. The award recipients were Brynlie Davis, Londyn Thompson, Hadlie Hoskins-Smith, and Kylie Shumway.

The next award was given to those who sold the most tickets to the event. Over 600 tickets were sold by the girls, with Lauren Giles selling 107 tickets.

Ms. Congeniality was the next award given out. It is voted on by the various contestants in the competition. The winner of this event was Kylie Shumway.

The final $250 Service Fellowship recipients were Lauren Giles, Avery Byington, and Zoey Poulsen.

The pageant directors vote on the Spirit of Shelley and those directly involved in the program. This award is given to the girl who has been the most committed to the Miss Russet program. The winner of this award was Lauren Giles. 

Finally, the runners-up and the Miss Russet winner were announced, with the third runner-up being Analee French, the second runner-up being Holly Crandall, the first runner-up being Breanna Williams, and the new Miss Russet for 2023–24 was Zoey Poulsen.

After the award ceremony, pageant director Christine Nelson said, “All girls did such a wonderful job tonight. It was difficult for the judges to determine who should win because we had so many talented girls this year.”

Gregg Nelson (Mr. Funny Pants), Emcee of the event. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
First Set of pageant contestants complete a physical fitness routine.
Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.

Chloe VanOrden wows the crowd with her lyrical dance routine. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Avery Byington plays the piano and sings a beautiful vocal soul. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Hadlie Hoskins- Smith performs her dance routine. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Brynlie Davis performs her violin solo. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.

Contestant Annalee French captures the crowd’s and judges’ attention with her dance. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Breanna Williams entertained the crowd with her vocal solo. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Zoe Polson woos the audience with her incredible dance. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Zoey Poulson executes her winning her dance routine. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Zoey Poulsen performs for the crowd. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Londyn Thompson sings her way into the hearts of many at the competition. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Holly Crandall played a beautiful flute solo for her talent. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Lauren Giles entertained the judges and audience with her flower bouquet-making skills. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Kylie Shumway performs a ballet routine for the judges and audience. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Former Miss Russet Maylee Murdoch performed singing in the rain for the audience’s enjoyment. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Cloe VanOrden poses in front of the judges during poise and appearance. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Avery Byington during her walk in poise and appearance. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Hadlie Hopkins- Smith walking on stage in her poise and appearance. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Brynlie Davis poses in front of the judges during poise and appearance. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Analee French poses for the judges during poise and appearance. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Breanna Williams does her walk during poise and appearance.
Contestant Zoey Poulsen poses during poise and appearance. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Londyn Thompson takes a question from the judge during poise. and appearance. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Holly Crandall poses in front of the judges during poise and appearance. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Lauren Giles poses during poise and appearance. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Contestant Kylie Shumway walks during her poise and appearance. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.
Former Miss Russet Maylee Murdoch dances with her father before her final walk. Photograph courtesy of Community Pioneer.

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