NORWICH – Dick Gillespie, director since 1970 of the Miss Chenango County Teen-ager Pageant, is looking for all of the 42 past pageant winners. This year – the 43rd annual pageant – will be a special celebration of the past winners and their life experiences.

Winners in the pageant in the past were from all areas of the county- and, in a couple of instances, from neighboring counties.

The oldest winners are now in their 60s and are grandparents. Two former Miss Chenango Teen-agers entered their grand-daughters in the pageant in the past few years.

This year, as a special celebration of the long-running pageant, Gillespie is hoping that past Miss Chenango County Teen-agers will see this story and will get in touch with him. If they live in the area and are able to come to the pageant, they’ll be welcomed as very special guests.

If they live in another section of the country, but still keep in touch by getting The Evening Sun sent to them, they’re asked to call toll-free at 1-877-596-9152, and give a breakdown on what’s happened to them since they won the pageant.

This year’s pageant is open to any single girl 13-19 years of age as of the pageant date (Aug. 8) who lives, works or goes to school in Chenango County.

The entry fee has been reduced this year so that more girls will be able to enjoy the competition. A call to the above number will get you an entry package with no obligation.