Sundre's Deanna Ringland says she's looking ahead to an exciting year as the newly-crowned Mrs. Calgary 2012.
“I'm sure looking forward to it and it will be interesting,” said Ringland, who beat out eight other competitors from Calgary and surrounding area to win the contest last month.
“There were a wonderful group of ladies who ran and I've made lots of new friends and I'm looking forward to making more.”
Ringland, who owns two Sundre businesses, explained that her decision to enter the contest started with her daughter Lexie entering a contest of her own.
“I put my daughter in a Junior Miss contest and that's how I found out about this one,” said Ringland, 40. “With the public speaking and the interviews it was something different for me, something I'd never done. Lexie got a lot out of the public speaking and I decided it would be something for me too.”
The contest itself included a number of elements designed to bring out the best in the contestants, she said.
“It involved public speaking, interviews and fashion show,” she said. “We did our public speaking in front of a panel of 10 judges at the fashion show.”
During her public speaking presentation portion of the contest Ringland spoke on personal development.
In the speech she mentioned her grandmother, Sundre's Frances McKillop, saying, “She is the most inspiring woman I know and anyone who knows her, I'm sure would agree. Grandma Frances, who just turned 84, was able to attend and made the whole evening.”
Ringland takes over her one-year position in January. During her term she will be making public appearances, doing community service and taking part in other activities.
Her businesses are Sundre Livestock and Farm Supply and X-Stream Clothing Company.