To many in Lake Havasu City, Margie Snyder has always been a queen. She has portrayed Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria for the past 16 years at the annual Lake Havasu Museum of History’s Queen’s Tea.
Saturday, “Queen Margie” was given a new crown to wear when she was crowned Ms. Lake Havasu at the London Bridge Resort Convention Center.
Formerly the Ms. Senior Havasu Pageant, the inaugural Ms. Lake Havasu Pageant was sponsored and hosted by the Lake Havasu Community Health Foundation. And contestants from age 45 and up are now eligible to enter.
Family and friends turned out to support this year’s five contestants as they walked across the London Bridge Resort Convention Center stage. Contestants included – in addition to Snyder – Catherine “Catz” Baudino, Colleen Matinson, Maria Rhodes and Shari Smith.
Colleen Matinson was crowned Runner Up.
As Ms. Lake Havasu, Snyder said she will donate her $1,000 winner’s prize to the Cancer Association of Havasu.
The Hawaiian-themed event also featured a live auction and and other entertainment.
The judges were Ann Archer, Evie Cistaro, Thom Felke, Ben LaParne, Mayor Cal Sheehy, Lou Ann Striyle and Dr. Kelli Ward.
Proceeds support screening programs, health fairs and public health education provided by the foundation throughout the year.
Dr. Ilan Samos escorts contestant Catz Baudino to the stage at the Ms. Lake Havasu Pageant. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
John Steele escorts his daughter Colleen Matinson to the stage. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
Maria Rhodes shows off the quilt she made in honor of her husband during the talent competition. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
Shari Smith plays the fiddle during the talent competition Saturday evening. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
Margie Snyder performs a Hawaiian dance Saturday evening at the Ms. Lake Havasu Pageant. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
Colleen Matinson wins runner-up at the Ms. Lake Havasu Pageant. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
Colleen Matinson and Margie Snyder take home the runner-up and Ms. Lake Havasu titles. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
Judges Evie Cistaro, Thom Felke, Lou Ann Striyle, and Dr. Kelli Ward. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
Judges Ben LaParne, Ann Archer, and Mayor Cal Sheehy. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
Ms. Lake Havasu Senior Royalty from past pageants. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene
Congrats to the contestants and especially Margie who is my water aerobics instructor at the community pool. She is the BEST! Fun, too!