This year’s Swedish Festival Pageant promises to have a few new twists, but organizers want to keep the changes a surprise for now.

“We are looking forward to it,” said Heather Gann, who is helping to organize the pageant. “There are a couple of new things that we are doing this year … we don’t want to give it away, but it will be a lot of fun for the contestants.”

Sunday is the last day to register for the annual pageant, which will take place next month during Thorsby’s Swedish Festival.

Registration, of which attendance is strongly encouraged, will be held this weekend, Sunday, Sept. 12 from 2-4 p.m. at Helen Jenkins Chapel in Thorsby.

The pageant will take place over two nights and is sponsored by the Swedish Festival Committee. Pageant dates are Monday, Oct. 11 and Tuesday, Oct. 12 at Thorsby High School. Admission will be $5.

The Swedish Queens attend several local and statewide events throughout the year, including open houses, ribbon cuttings, and other social functions, as well as representing the town of Thorsby.

In all, six different queens from various age groups will be crowned. The winner of the oldest category will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

In all, six different queens from all age groups will be named.

On Monday, the following queens will be crowned: Tiniest, age 2-4; Tiny, age 5-7; and Little, age 8-10.

On Tuesday, the older girls will compete: Young, age 11-12; Junior, age 13-15; and Miss, age 16-19.

Contestants are required to turn in two wallet photos of the same pose.

Organizers ask that the girl’s name, age and sponsor (if applicable) be written on the back of both photos.

The entry fee is $50, which includes the photogenic competition. Dress is formal pageant wear.

A practice date will be Saturday, Oct. 9 throughout the day for the various age groups.

For more information about Miss Swedish Fest, call Marika Porter at 287-1263, Mesha Plier at 389-4828 or Heather Gann at 233-3033.