Erica Yurvati was crowned Miss Kutztown Bicentennial and Mary Elizabeth Hess was crowned Little Miss Kutztown Bicentennial on Saturday, June 20.
“There are young people out there that enjoy living in Kutztown and wanted to represent it during the Bicentennial since it’s such a celebration year,” said Marilyn Baver, pageant director.
Yurvati, 22, of Kutztown, is the daughter of Bonnie Yurvati. She attended Yale University and Kutztown University. Her talent was Spoken Word Poetry.
Hess, age 6, of Kutztown, is the daughter of Michael and Katie Hess. She attends Kutztown Elementary School.
“They’ll be attending every (Bicentennial) event to greet Kutztown, to share their love of Kutztown,” said Baver. They were chosen for their “confidence, poise, personality and the judges’ overall impression that they would be the overall best representative for the bicentennial.”
About 200 people attended the Miss Kutztown Bicentennial Pageant held at Kutztown Area High School on June 20.
“The pageant was a big success. Attended by about 200 people. Local talent provided by Dr. Christine Ryan, Dane Becker and the Chameleons, Jamal Kemp and Common Funk, Jonathan Quier, Linette Davis, Rhythm in Motion, and Marilyn’s Dance Studio,” said Andrew Brett, committee member.
“Both the Miss and the Little Miss will serve as ambassadors to the summer festivities,” added Brett. “Both winners are proud of their home town, proud to be part of our local history, and proud to part of the Bicentennial Celebration!”
The program featured five local young women competing for the title of Miss Kutztown Bicentennial: Trista Smith, Kendra Wert, Erica Yurvati, Kayla Fusselman and Katrina Brintzenhoff.
The 12 girls competing for the title of Little Miss Kutztown Bicentennial were Clara Engel, Haven Fegely, Norah Fegely, Annabella Genta, Taylor Greenawalt, Mary Hess, Megan Hoffman, Rachel Hoffman, Nora Roberts, Lyndsey Smith, Emily Sprinkle and Megyn Stillo.
“The judges were looking for representatives who love living in the Kutztown area and would be proud to represent the town during our celebration,” said Brett.
All contestants were required to reside within the Kutztown Area School District. The older contestants were judged on a Personal Interview, Talent, Casual Wear, Evening wear, and an On-Stage question. Little Miss contestants had to be between 5 and 8 years of age. They were asked On-Stage questions with additional voting taking place online prior to the program, according to Brett.
In addition to the crowning, Baver said the highlights of the pageant were the entertainment “and the little ones answering their questions.”
There were performances from two local bands, Marilyn’s Dance Studio, the Rhythm in Motion Dance Company, and other local talents, as well as appearances by Kutztown’s Erna (Furst) Snyder, Mrs. America 1954, Linette (Mertz) Davis, Miss Pennsylvania 1994, and a message from Karen Keiser, Miss Sesqui-Centennial 1965, said Brett.
Baver also thanked local businesses for their donations toward the pageant.
“The Miss Kutztown Bicentennial Committee is so thankful for the support of the local businesses to help make it a successful event!” said Baver.
Upcoming Bicentennial EventsWeek of July 25 to Aug. 2
Kutztown Kruizz July 25 Community Church Service July 26
Family Movie Night July 26 Walking History Tour of Kutztown July 27
Celebrate the Seniors July 30 Dinner on Main July 31
Bicentennial Parade Aug. 1 Kutztown Day Aug. 2.
