Norman is crowned Miss Pine River

In an unprecedented year that postponed the Miss Pine River Scholarship Pageant because of COVID-19 restrictions, Rylee Norman was crowned Saturday, June 20, at a pageant that was not open to the general public.

First Princess is Jordan Cunningham, who was also recognized as Miss Congeniality. Madison Burnard is Second Princess.

Other candidates were Brianna Butricks, Aurora Melby and Ceyara Brand.

Getting the show on the road had added challenges because of the COVID-19 outbreak. The event was originally scheduled for April 18.

“That was really hard. Considering everything it really went pretty well,” said Barb Klocke, longtime pageant chair who is stepping down from that role.

The event traditionally is held in the Pine River-Backus High School gym; however, renovation of the gym floor necessitated a new venue, in this case the Faith Assembly of God Church in Pine River. The new venue had its own challenges as it is just wrapping up reconstruction. Klocke said the carpet and plumbing were completed just in time for the event. In spite of the changes, many things remained the same.

“We did everything we normally do,” Klocke said. “The interviews, business casual, talents and evening gown.”

In the talent portion, Norman performed a flute solo. Cunningham performed a trumpet solo and Burnard did speed painting.

New pageant chairs

“It was bittersweet. I know it's time, but it's still sad,” Klocke said of her last year as pageant chair.

Klocke will still accompany Norman, Cunningham and Burnard for event appearances.

“I'm going to miss working all year long with the girls,” Klocke said. “I'm going to continue finishing this year out with the girls, but then when the next pageant comes I won't be continuing on all summer with them.”

She also plans to remain on the Miss Pine River Scholarship Pageant committee, though next year the chair seat will be split in three with Renee Stranne, Jackie Kline and Gretchen Koering heading the pageant.

Klocke has been on the committee for 40 years and has served as chairwoman for nearly as long, having co-chaired for a few years with Jackie Wetrosky after Wetrosky's co-chair, Sue Stephan, died. Wetrosky stepped down as co-chair approximately 12 years ago.

Travis Grimler may be reached at 218-855-5853 or travis.grimler@pineandlakes.com. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@PEJ_Travis.

1/4: The 2020 Miss Pine River Pageant had six contestants with Aurora Melby, Rylee Norman, Brianna Butricks, Jordan Cunningham and Madison Burnard. Lena Richards / Echo Journal Correspondent

2/4: Madison Burnard was chosen as second princess at the April 19 Miss Pine River pageant with Rylee Norman being crowned Miss Pine River and Jordan Cunningham chosen as both first princess and miss congeniality. Lena Richards / Echo Journal Correspondent

3/4: Outgoing 2019 Miss Pine River Cynthia Tennier honors outgoing Miss Pine River Chairwoman Barb Klocke. Lena Richards / Echo Journal Correspondent

4/4: Rylee Norman was crowned the 2020 Miss Pine River at the June 19 ceremony. Lena Richards / Echo Journal Correspondent