Pageant Info

The Canal Days Queen Pageant remains one of the festival’s most anticipated events. Established in 1994 by Christine Miller, the pageant continues to follow the format she introduced, preserving a cherished tradition that has endured for decades.

Our Mission

Serving as a scholarship pageant for high school girls residing in the Delphos school district or attending one of our two local schools—Delphos Jefferson or St. John’s—the Canal Days Queen Pageant has awarded over $35,000 in scholarships throughout its history.
Each year, contestants are judged in several areas of competition, including interview skills, personal introduction, fun fashion, evening gown, and an on-stage question. In addition to these on-stage events, participants also earn points for their community service involvement.
Two additional scholarships are offered: the Carl Core Memorial Scholarship, awarded through a written essay competition, and the Mike Gallmeier Memorial Scholarship, based on an optional talent portion of the pageant. The event typically features 10–14 contestants and is held annually on the Sunday prior to the start of the Canal Days festival.

2024 Queen

Congratulations to our 2024 Canal Days Queen. Kennedy Sterling

Canal Days Jr. Pageant

The Canal Days Jr. Pageant, introduced in 2023, offers a fun and exciting opportunity for younger girls in the community to participate in the festival’s traditions. Open to girls who live in the Delphos School District or attend one of the two local schools, the pageant is divided into three age-based divisions: Canal Days Princess (grades K–2), Little Miss Canal Days (grades 3–5), and Jr. Miss Canal Days (grades 6–8).
The Jr. Pageant takes place on the afternoon prior to the Queen Pageant, giving these young participants a special moment in the spotlight as part of the festival’s opening day festivities.

Congratulations to the 2024 Canal Days Jr. Royalty

Canal Days Princess: Sydney Carder

Little Miss Canal Days: Lydia Hommel

Jr. Miss Canal Days: Carley DeVelvis

2025 Queen Candidates

Contestant 1: Josie Ricker

Contestant 2: Laine Flanagan

Contestant 3: Bridgette Rice

Contestant 4: Olivia Bloom

Contestant 5: Aubrey Fairchild

Contestant 6: Leah DaVelvis

Contestant 7: Carley DeVelvis

Contestant 8: Mc Kopack

Contestant 9: Victoria Walpole

Contestant 10: Lillian Schneer

Contestant 11: Aubrey Metzger

Contestant 12: Anika Freewalt

Contestant 13: Avery Suever

To purchase tickets, please reach out to a contestant, or any of the following Pageant

Committee members:

Tony Wiechart: 419-302-8313

Maddie Pohlman: 419-695-9161

Cassie Baumgartner: 419-516-2603

Chase Goss: 239-543-7739

Contestants take part in a variety of events both before and after the Canal Days Festival, including local fundraisers and other festival-related activities. They are also proud to represent the community and are always happy to attend area events and celebrations.
If you would like to invite the Canal Days Queen to your event, please contact the Chamber Office at 419-695-1771 or reach out to a member of the Pageant Committee.