Building Young Girls' Confidence Through the 2007 Little Miss Etiwanda Pageant

Blessed with clear skies, the weather was a balmy 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the Second Annual Etiwanda Historical Street Faire held on Etiwanda Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga. Within that event, another special event was coordinated to honor the young ladies of Rancho Cucamonga: The 2007 Little Miss Etiwanda Pageant.

Why the name Etiwanda? Thirty years ago when the city was unincorporated, Etiwanda was one of the three original regions (Alta Loma, Cucamonga were the other two) that now comprises The City of Rancho Cucamonga. The pageant was held soon after the Talent Show festivities sponsored by the Valverde School of Performing Arts (VSPA) was completed.

Flyers were distributed throughout the city of Rancho Cucamonga, VSPA and the Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce to draw in entrants to the 2007 Little Miss Etiwanda Pageant prior to the actual event. The pageant was open to children age 3 and older. Entrants were originally asked to wear 19th century clothing as seen in the hit drama "Little House on the Prairie" in commemoration of the Historical Street Faire. On the actual day of the pageant, announcements were made throughout the event to continue to solicit more entrants to participate.

Over twenty young ladies appeared to flash their winning smiles and wave at the encouraging crowd that eagerly gathered around the South Stage on Etiwanda Avenue. They all gathered under the canopy north of the stage as they waited their turn to strut out in front of the audience. Each girl's name, age, and favorite hobbies were announced over the sound system as they walked across the stage in front of the large crowd. Rancho Cucamonga Mayor Donald Kurth and City Council Member Rex Gutierrez were both present to graciously shake the hands of all the inspiring young ladies.

The girls who actually overcame their inhibitions and participated in the pageant ranged in age from three years old to nine years old. All girls were pronounced "Little Miss Etiwanda" for their sheer participation and willingness to walk on stage in front of such a large audience. The group were all bestowed with an honorary "Little Miss Etiwanda" sash and tiara for their inspiring efforts by Yesenia Valverde, co-owner of VSPA.

The informal non-competitive pageant was held merely to foster greater self-esteem and confidence amongst the young ladies of Rancho Cucamonga.

It is uncertain how this pageant will affect the lives of these young individuals. Will they remember the sound of their name being announced on the speaker? WIll they remember shaking the Mayor's hand? If they opted to keep their sash & tiara, they will most likely be reminded of the fond memories made when they were crowned with such glory on the streets of Etiwanda.