The Days of '47 committee auditioned and interviewed its potential delegates on Saturday in anticipation of the upcoming 19 events organized by the group this summer.

The auditions took the form of a pageant and the winners are called royalty, but the Days of '47 isn't looking for beauty queens, it's looking for representatives and role models, said committee members Chris Wonnacott and Kathi Izatt. Inner beauty, poise and a commitment to service are what they're looking for in young ladies to travel the state promoting pioneer heritage.

Callie Cockrell was chosen as queen and Starlee Holman and Kristalee Bird are first and second attendants, respectively. They will take over from Marin Poole, Cristal Johnson and Marianne Stuart, last year's winners.

The contestants wore evening gowns and answered questions in the traditional pageant setting on Saturday, but the most important criteria were evaluated earlier. First, to even be considered, a young woman must be a direct descendant of a Utah pioneer who arrived prior to the completion of the railroad on May 10, 1869. Other criteria include being between 18 and 25 years old and never married. Interviews with judges about their service record, accomplishments and goals are 50 percent of all possible points, said Bette Barton, president of the committee.

"We look for poise, answering questions, experience, their stage presence and their service," she said. "If you can do well on a stage you can do well anywhere."

One reason for the challenging beauty pageant aspect of the contest is to make sure they've got what it takes to stay cheerful and upbeat while following the grueling schedule the committee will have for the women, Izatt said. Last year's royalty had 63 engagements across the state speaking to civic and youth groups.

Wonnacott emphasized the need for the royalty to be good examples to young girls.

"You should see the faces of young women who hear them speak, wanting to emulate them. The royalty show what it means to be lovely, gracious and poised," she said.

The pageant was held in the Conference Center Little Theater across from Temple Square and was produced by the International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers and was sponsored by Macy's. The theme this year is "Still Pioneering Together."

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