Am I eligible to become a Kolacky Queen Candidate? Do I have to live in the Kolacky Capital to run?
The pageant is open to all High School Junior girls who live within a five (5) mile radius of Montgomery or Kilkenny and must be in good standing at the local high school, Tri-City United High School in Montgomery.
Petition forms are available for interested girls who would like to participate, but do not attend Tri-City United High School and/or live within the five (5) mile radius areas. The additional form can be obtained by emailing kolacky.pageant@yahoo.com.
How do candidates apply for being a Kolacky Queen Candidate?
Complete the candidate registration form that expresses your interest. You become an official Kolacky Queen Candidate when you and your parents/guardians attend the Kolacky Queen Candidate Registration Meeting that will be held at a later date.
Can I run if I’m in sports?
Absolutely! Sports, dance, and jobs are always okay!
What am I judged on?
Candidates are judged in three (3) categories. The interview portion is held earlier on the pageant day in a private session with the judges. The talent portion is judged during the pageant as well as the evening gown section.
What can we expect from the Candidate Program?
Candidates participate in several activities throughout the months of May, June, and July to prepare for the pageant. The reigning royalty participate with them in order to encourage and coach them in their preparation for the pageant. These activities, give our candidates an opportunity to volunteer their time, get to know the people in their community, grow in their friendships with one another, and better their communication skills, not to mention all the fun that they have! Past examples have been baking kolacky, learning to dance the polka, attend a pageant and a parade, learn about the history of the celebration from its very beginning in 1929 to today, mock interviews, and helping the MACC announce the Grand Marshals at the Meet-N-Greet.
What happens if you have to miss an event?
No problem. At the Kolacky Queen Candidate Registration Meeting, details on how to notify the pageant committee of these absences will be provided.
What do my parents / legal guardians have to do during the candidacy portion?
Simply attend the mandatory Kolacky Queen Candidate Registration Meeting, provide love, support, rides (if needed), throughout the summer and cheer on their special someone during Kolacky Days. Most do attend the taping of Bandwagon and dance the night away.
Do I need to find a Sponsor to run? Is there any other requirements that I should be aware of?
No, the candidate is not required to get a sponsor. However, all candidates are required to sell fifty (50) Kolacky Days souvenir buttons to be eligible for the scholarships. Additionally, the candidate selling the most buttons will be awarded a pre-determined amount in Monty Bucks at the pageant.
If I am chosen to be a part of the Kolacky Royalty, am I awarded anything?
For their reign, the Royalty are provided with a crown, flowers, sash, and Czech attire to wear at their events. Following their reign and a successful completion of one (1) semester at an accredited post-secondary school, the Kolacky Queen is awarded a $3,000 scholarship, the 1st Princess is awarded a $2,000 scholarship, the 2nd Princess is awarded a $1,500 scholarship, and Miss Congeniality is awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
The Kolacky Queen is offered the opportunity to attend the St. Paul Winter Carnival with the community club paying for her registration and lodging expenses and she can consider registering for the Minneapolis Aquatennial Candidate Program after her reign is complete with the community club picking up half of her registration fees if desired.
What time commitment is there if I am selected to be a part of the Kolacky Royalty?
The highlight is being a part of the Kolacky Days Celebration by making an appearance at Memorial Park after the pageant and throughout the entire weekend. Some of the activities during the weekend include the Kiddie Parade, Bohemian Tractor Pull, Queen’s Breakfast,the Grand Day Parade, and the Kolacky Eating Contest.
After the weekend, the royalty have about 15 required events and parades to attend either in Montgomery or nearby. If you can’t make these required events and parades, just let the Royalty Coordinator know beforehand. The royalty are allowed three (3) excused absences for things like school and family commitments, which is almost always more than what is used/needed each year. In addition to the required events, royalty is given several optional events to attend; which optional events - and how many (if any) - is decided upon together by the royalty members and their parents.
How can I get more information about being a candidate before I apply?
You can always reach out to royalty (previous and current), the pageant committee, or send an email to kolacky.pageant@yahoo.com and someone will get in touch with you.