Twenty-two women shared a little about themselves and answered questions during Yuengling Night at the Humane Fire Company in Pottsville.
With snow still visible downtown, the winter weather did not deter people from coming out for a good time to listen to the senior princesses vying for the title Queen of Snows as part of the 49th annual Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival.
About 150 people attended the event that started at 9 p.m. Cost to attend was $10 and entitled those attending to free soda and beer.
In addition to the women ages 18 to 29 vying for the coveted title, the 2015 Winter Carnival winners were also there and said a few words about their experience in the annual tradition.
T.J. Fitzpatrick, master of ceremonies, thanked everyone for coming and asked the audience to keep their conversations to a minimum.
“You ladies can have a seat. You’re going to be standing all night,” Fitzpatrick said.
A panel of 10 judges scored the women on their appearance, poise, personality and voice projection.
Before the event started, the young women posed for pictures and talked with family and friends. Robin Bozeman, 24, of Schuylkill Haven, said she is participating just to have fun because where she works, she does not meet a lot of female friends. She hopes to expand her circle of friends during the events.
“Everybody is a potential friend,” she said of the other women in the running for Queen of Snows.
The women picked questions from a can.
Kendall Boyer, Schuylkill Haven, was asked the first question by Fitzpatrick, and asked her if she had a dog. She said yes.
“What would you do if your dog brought home your neighbor’s pet rabbit ... yes, the rabbit is dead?” Fitzpatrick said.
Since the animal is dead, she could not help it.
“Since I’m in nursing school, blood does not bother me,” she said, adding she would put it in a box and take it to her neighbor and apologize and offer to buy a new rabbit.
Animals were discussed early in the night by both the contestants and Fitzpatrick.
Bozeman’s question was not about animals, but her answer was.
“What would you do if you continued to receive paychecks from a job you recently quit?” Fitzpatrick asked.
Bozeman said “I would probably make a cat sanctuary. I love my cats,” she said. She fosters kittens and owns two cats.
Lauren Brilla, Pottsville, was asked if she would rather live without music or without a cellphone. She said she would rather live without a cellphone.
Tiffany Comodeca, Tremont, was asked if she would rather have the job of her dreams and be fairly poor, or have a job she despises and “be fairly loaded.” She said she would want to have the job of her dreams.
Sarah Derfler, New Philadelphia, was asked if she would want to get back together with her worst ex-boyfriend or be single forever. She said she would rather be friends with the ex-boyfriend.
Meghan Devlin, Schuylkill Haven, was also asked a question about an animal.
“Would you rather be a tiny elephant or a giant hamster and why?” Fitzpatrick asked. Devlin said she would prefer to be a tiny elephant because they are very majestic.
“I think they are a great creature regardless of their size,” she said.
Schuylkill Haven Mayor Mike Devlin and Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary Hess were among the people in the audience. Mayor Devlin said the event is good for the community.
“I love what the event does for the community,” he said, adding it showcases the area.