Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH WEBSTER - Lindsay Nehr of Pine Village was crowned the 2005 Mermaid Queen Saturday in the North Webster Community Center.
The 19-year-old was one of 17 candidates participating in the 60th annual pageant. The Mermaid Princesses include: first runner-up was Krystal Shull of Kendallville; second runner up was Tara Eberhart, South Whitley; and third runner-up was Allison Scherer, Syracuse.
The 5-feet, 9-inches tall Nehr wore a black one-piece during the first swimsuit judging and a coral silk, beaded evening gown during the second half of the pageant.
She is the daughter of John and Pat Nehr and has blond hair and hazel eyes.
Nehr attends Ivy Tech State College where she maintains a 4.0 grade point average. She is majoring in radiological technology.
She was a 500 Festival Princess this year.
Shull, 19, is the daughter of Henry and Sandra Shull. She attends Ball State University.
Eberhart, 20, is the daughter of Dennis and Cheryl Eberhart. She attends Indiana University.
Scherer, 20, is the daughter of Bill and Pam Scherer and she attends Purdue University.
The young women, aged 16 to 22, were judged on poise and self-confidence, stance and hand positon, carriage and body lines, appearance and figure. Prior to the evening pageant contestants are interviewed by the judges.
Each of the four finalists receives a sash, tiara and flowers. Scholarships are provided by the Palace of Sports Foundation. The Queen receives $2,000; first runner-up, $1,500; second runner-up, $1,000; and third runner-up, $500.
Veronica Boyle of Plymouth received the Lioness Club Community Service Award and she received an engraved silver tray and monetary prize.
In a break from tradition, last year's Mermaid Queen, Annette Lamb, shared in the hosting ceremonies with "regular" host Steve Ward. Lamb's Purdue University roommate Mary Grace Spencer Scott entertained while scores were counted.
Mermaid Pageant contestants are eligible for other awards this week. They also will participate in the Rockin' to the '60s Mermaid Festival parade Saturday. First place pays $750, second place - $500 and third place - 250.
Other contestants were: Megan Medlock, Krystalle Johnson and Summer Kozon of Syracuse; Jaclyn Abrams and Jennifer Woolums of Leesburg; Meredith McCaskill of Milford; Kristen Blackman (2002 Mermaid Queen) of Albion; Tabitha Parson of Pierceton; Brooke Weber of South Whitley; Christy WIlson of North Webster; Lindsay Hawkins of Plymouth; and Daynel Ott of Fort Wayne.
