MAE Allicock, 17, a Surama Eco Tourism Lodge receptionist on Friday night rose above her competition and won favour with the judges, prevailing over six other competitors to take the crown in the Takutu Hotel Rodeo Pageant.

The pageant is popularly called the ‘Miss Rupununi Rodeo Pageant.’

Allicock delivered an eloquent introduction, wowed in an elegant one-piece swim suit and impressed in her rodeo wear to earn the crown.

Behind Allicock was first runner-up Faylaika Charles from Central Rupununi, a crowd favourite throughout the night. One of the more energetic delegates of the night, Priscilla LaCruz, a school teacher, ended as second runner-up.

Aside from the top three, also participating in the pageant were Alisha Felix from St Ignatius Village; Leya Aldie from Sand Creek Village; University of Guyana student Juewayne Andries from Rupertee Village and Shelly Brown, a Bina Hill Institute student.

The pageant featured a dance, introduction, swim wear and rodeo wear segments.

Allicock was definitely one of the standouts of the night and impressed from the start when she stepped out on stage and delivered a flawless introduction.

Following the introduction, Allicock again stood out in her uniquely tailored, orange and black trimmed one-piece knitted swim suit; a straw hat, matching sarong and strappy high heel sandals accented the look.

In the rodeo wear, while some of the contestants settled for jeans, Allicock donned a fringed, strapless dress and knee-high cowgirl shoes to match.

The dance competition saw participation from two dance groups from St Ignatius and a hip hop dance group. Winners of the dance competition are expected to be announced at a later date.

The winners of the pageant were presented their prizes at the end of the night. For her win, Allicock walked away with $125,000 in cash, a trophy and a cosmetic gift set, compliments of Sasha Beauty and a bouquet. The cash prize was donated by Air Services Limited and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs Minister, Sydney Allicock.

Second and third-place winners also received cash prizes, trophies, cosmetic hampers and bouquets.

The event was sponsored by Banks DIH under their Banks Beer brand, along with several other corporate sponsors.

Following the pageant and dance competitions, patrons enjoyed karaoke and an after party to help usher in the events of the Rupununi Ranchers Rodeo, which began on Saturday and ended on Sunday.