Two young contestants greet each other while they wait to compete in Saturday’s Firecracker Cutie Contest.

BY SHERI TRUSTY

A’Nya Farris of Sandusky, 12, gives a passionate answer to the judges. Farris was named Grand Supreme Princess in Saturday’s Firecracker Cutie Contest.

When Luke and Sarah Thoene moved from California to Ohio, their daughter, Ruthie Thoene, now 7, was nervous about the transition. They decided to enter Ruthie into a pageant in Castalia last summer, and she thrived in the friendly atmosphere, winning top honors.

Ruthie’s charm was recognized once again when she was named second runner-up in the age four-to-nine category in the 2022 Firecracker Cutie Contest at Trinity United Methodist Church on Saturday.

“She was getting kind of nervous about coming to a new city with new people, and this has really helped her self-esteem,” Sarah said.

Plus, pageant life fits Ruthie’s personality.

“I like dresses, and I like makeup,” she said.

Ruthie was one of 43 contestants who competed on Saturday, making this year’s Firecracker Cutie Contest the biggest it has ever been.

“The turnout is amazing,” said Mayor Mike Snider. “People want to get out and do something, and this is a fun, family-friendly event. People want to celebrate and show off their cuties.”

Jocelyn Rohde is crowned Jr. Miss winner in the Firecracker Cutie Contest held at Trinity United Methodist Church on Saturday.

Contestants came from as far away as Cincinnati and ranged in age from four months to 52 years.

“This year, we really wanted to include other communities,” said Pageant Director Heather Renee Schenek. “I’m the first director to open it to all genders, all ages and all cities.”

Regardless of who they are or where they come from, winners are required to have a friendly personality.

“I always tell my contestants the crown means nothing without a good attitude,” Schenek said. “We want a queen with a good heart.”

Volunteer judges chose winners, Port Clinton High School senior Lillie Rolen led the crowd in the national anthem, and pageant veteran Shelby Leigh served as emcee. Leigh announced all 43 contestants, including the oldest, 52-year-old Brian Shane of Tiffin, whose nine-year-old daughter, Meghan Shane, also competed. It was Brian’s first competition, and he won first place in the male, ten and older category.

“Meghan talked me into it. She said she’d do it if I did it,” Brian said.

In addition to runners-up and first place winners, there were five grand winners. Grand Supreme Mini King was Charles Jeffrey Tingley-Cook. Grand Supreme Mini Queen was Arielle Franklin. Grand Supreme Princess was A’Nya Farris. Grand Supreme Queen was Zivah Berry. Grand Supreme Most Photogenic winner was Lainey Mae.

Eliza Linehan of Port Clinton, 12, on left, reads a question with contest host Shelby Leigh during the question-and-answer portion of the competition. Linehan was first runner-up in the Miss category.

All of the proceeds from the Firecracker Cutie Contest help fund Port Clinton’s fireworks display. Stephanie Jess, a Port Clinton native who now lives in Fremont, attended the contest with her daughters, Lucy Jess, 8, and Audrey Jess, 23 months. Adding to the fireworks fund was another good reason to support the event.

“Lucy was Mini Grand Supreme winner in 2016. I think it was good for her outgoingness. She has a very outgoing personality, so this suits her well,” Stephanie said. “Plus, the money goes to the fireworks. I like that.”