Campbellton teenager Alexa Drapeau Chaisson upgraded her Salmon Festival crown as she became Miss New Brunswick 2023 during the annual pageant held Tuesday, Aug. 1, at the McCain Community Theatre in Woodstock.
Chaisson also garnered the Miss Talent title for her jazz routine performed the previous night at the Miss N.B. Talent Show.
Miss Nackawic Charisma Farrell earned the First Princess Crown, while Chipman’s Lucy Pilmer was named Second Princess and Miss Congeniality.
Other pageant contestants included Miss Teen Shippagan of the Islands Marissa Brideau; Miss Bon Ami Ebby Hoyt Labillois from Dalhousie; Miss Minto Jenna McFadden; and Miss Woodstock Jayce Laing.
Pageant organizers praised the seven young women vying for the crown.
“We are so pleased to congratulate all of the beautiful contestants who showcased their leadership, compassion, dedication, and integrity as representatives of our province,” the Miss N.B. committee said in its closing statement. “These young leaders graced the stage and displayed great confidence — each representing New Brunswick respectfully and proudly.”
Miss New Brunswick 2022 Heather Solomon was on hand to crown her successor at Tuesday’s pageant.
Solomon, who represented Perth-Andover at the 2022 pageant, called it an honour to participate in the many New Brunswick events, representing the province and her Indigenous culture.
“This past year has been a whirlwind of extraordinary experiences and emotions. I have been honoured to attend many events representing New Brunswick and the Wolastoq Nation,” she wrote in her outgoing message on the Miss New Brunswick pageant’s Facebook page. “I am thankful I could use my platform to highlight my language, culture, and traditions.”
The Miss New Brunswick pageant is held annually as part of Woodstock’s Old Home Week celebrations.