The Miss Spirit of Blossomtime Pageant is open to all Blossomtime Communities first runners-up and offers one more lady an opportunity to enjoy the many events and activities her sister queens will participate in. Eighteen young ladies will compete for the title of Miss Spirit 2023, crowned by the reining 2022 Miss Spirit, Kirsten Krause, from the community of Berrien Springs. The pageant will take place this Saturday, Jan. 21 at 5 p.m.

Communities competing this year are Bangor, Benton Harbor, Berrien Springs, Bloomingdale, Bridgman, Buchanan, Cassopolis, Coloma, Eau Claire/Sodus, Edwardsburg, Hartford, New Buffalo, Niles, South Haven, St. Joseph, Stevensville, Three Oaks/River Valley and Watervliet. The pageant will be held at the St. Joseph High School Auditorium. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with tickets available at the Blossomtime office (269-982-8016) or at the door for $25.

The winner of Miss Spirit will go on to compete in the Showcase of Queens/ Mr. Blossomtime Pageant on Sunday, April 16, and is eligible to win all the queen awards at the Sunday night showcase. For the Miss Blossomtime Pageant she will also be eligible for all awards and titles including the title of Miss Blossomtime on Monday, April 17, 2023, at the Lake Michigan College, Mendel Center, in Benton Harbor.