The 34th annual Miss Merced County pageant was held last Saturday night at the popular Buhach Colony High School auditorium.

More than 200 people watched 12 candidates compete for three titles - Miss Merced County, Miss Yosemite Valley and Miss Sierra Nevada.

The local competition is the stepping stone to the Miss California pageant and eventually to the Miss America competition.

Saturday’s competition was dedicated as “A Tribute to Heroes”, honoring the military and police officers who have given their lives for America’s freedom.

The contestants, besides winning the crown for a year, vied for several scholarships. Miss Merced County earned $1000, first runner-up received $500, and the semi-finalists each bringing home $200. Miss Yosemite Valley and Miss Sierra Nevada earned $500 scholarships. And keeping with the Tribute to Heroes, There were scholarships from the Pfc. Karina Lau memorial, the Cpl Joshua Pickard memorial, plus the North Merced Rotary Academic Achievement Award.

In the two and a half hour show, the contestants were judged on answering an on-stage question, talent, and swimsuit and evening wear. This year’s crop of talent was very good. Dancing, singing, ballet, and a comedy routine reminiscent of Lily Tomlin.

Drum roll ... the winners who will be going on to the Miss California pageant are ... Nicole Honaker, Miss Sierra Nevada, Kristen Cavinder, Miss Yosemite Valley and Loryn Weddle is our new Miss Merced County.

Miss Merced County 2009 Photo Gallery