Maine Lobster Festival 2024 seeks Delegate applicants
Wed, 03/20/2024 - 5:00pm
2023 Maine Lobster Festival Delegate Coronation. From left to right; Most Congenial - Lizzi Swan, Delegate Adelaide Hendricks, Second Delegate Autumn Oxton. (Photo courtesy Maine Lobster Festival)
ROCKLAND — The Maine Lobster Festival is seeking young people to apply for the Maine Lobster Festival Delegate competition, with winners to be announced at the coronation on Wednesday, July 31, during the 77th Maine Lobster Festival.
The Coronation Committee is accepting 16 applicants for this event on a first-come, first-served basis. The application deadline is Sunday, June 16.
The main requirement is a passion to represent and advocate for Maine’s lobster industry.
Originally Miss Maine Seafoods, then the Maine Sea Goddess, this competition was expanded in 2023 to open participation to any Maine resident ages 16 to 22 and rebranded as the Maine Lobster Festival Delegate.
The coronation is one of the first events of the Festival every year, taking place on the opening Wednesday night and showcasing the spirit and passion of the youth in the community.
“The Maine Lobster Festival is proud to be adapting and growing this competition,” said MLF, in a news release.
Other changes brought to the Delegate event include a focus on education regarding the Maine lobster fishery, instruction and guidance on essential skills for the position such as public speaking, and a charitable donation to an organization of the applicant’s choice.
The top three winners will receive a crown and a cash prize, and will represent the Festival for the next year. The Maine Lobster Festival Delegate is awarded $2,000. The Second Delegate receives $1,500. The contestants vote for the winner of Most Congenial, who is awarded $500.
The Coronation Committee is accepting 16 applicants for this event on a first-come, first-served basis. The application deadline is Sunday, June 16.
The main requirement is a passion to represent and advocate for Maine’s lobster industry.
Originally Miss Maine Seafoods, then the Maine Sea Goddess, this competition was expanded in 2023 to open participation to any Maine resident ages 16 to 22 and rebranded as the Maine Lobster Festival Delegate.
The coronation is one of the first events of the Festival every year, taking place on the opening Wednesday night and showcasing the spirit and passion of the youth in the community.
“The Maine Lobster Festival is proud to be adapting and growing this competition,” said MLF, in a news release.
Other changes brought to the Delegate event include a focus on education regarding the Maine lobster fishery, instruction and guidance on essential skills for the position such as public speaking, and a charitable donation to an organization of the applicant’s choice.
The top three winners will receive a crown and a cash prize, and will represent the Festival for the next year. The Maine Lobster Festival Delegate is awarded $2,000. The Second Delegate receives $1,500. The contestants vote for the winner of Most Congenial, who is awarded $500.
Requirements for application:
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Must be a resident of Maine.
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Must attend required events.
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Be at least 16 and no more than 22 years of age on July 30, 2024.
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May only participate one year.
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Must have no past or pending civil or criminal charges other than moving violations.
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Must submit application by deadline of Sunday, June 16, 2024.
Leading up to the coronation, contestants are expected to participate in events which will include: a basic orientation; volunteering and service events; informational sessions on topics such as public speaking, social media, and the lobster industry; volunteering at the Festival; and riding in the Saturday “Big Parade.”
These events provide valuable tools and experiences, while also giving contestants the opportunity to showcase their strengths in healthy competition.
These events provide valuable tools and experiences, while also giving contestants the opportunity to showcase their strengths in healthy competition.
Fee
An application fee of $100 must be paid via check, made payable directly to the charity of the applicants’ choice, and submitted to the Maine Lobster Festival. Checks will be submitted to said charity pending final approval from the Coronation Committee.
How to apply
Fill out the online application.
About the Maine Lobster Festival
Five days of fun and feasting on the fabulous coast of Maine, the Maine Lobster Festival attracts thousands of people to the Midcoast region and has a long tradition of giving back to the local community. The 2024 Festival will be held July 31-Aug. 4 and will celebrate its 77th anniversary. Once again, admission will be free. For more information about the Maine Lobster Festival, visit the website at www.mainelobsterfestival.com, “like” it on Facebook, follow it on X (formerly Twitter) at @MELobsterFest, and on Instagram at @mainelobsterfest.
