The 2025 Mapleton pageants were held Sunday, May 4.
Miss Mapleton 2024 Olivia Locke introduced Lynnette Foster, Mapleton Daze president, who was the mistress of ceremonies. Foster introduced each contestant and interviewed them throughout the evening. The evening’s judges were Jennifer Buzza, Kelly Hemphill and Jamie Guerrette. Norma Levesque served as the judging panel auditor.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
The 2024 queens — Little Miss Adelyn Elliot, Pre-Teen Aiva Elliot, Teen Miss Carrlyn Buck, Junior Miss Molly Kinney and Locke — spoke about their experiences over the past year. Buck played the keyboard sang “Like that Old Rock and Roll,” followed by Kinney dancing to “Jai Ho.” Aiva Elliott danced. Adelyn Elliott talked about her year representing Aroostook County as the 2024 Little Miss Maine Potato Blossom Queen.
Prior to the pageant, each contestant had a personal interview with the judges. During the pageant, they modeled casual and evening wear and performed talent routines.
Little Miss Mapleton contestant Skylaya Rae Darrell, 8, daughter of Collin and Kirsten Darrell, danced to the song “Let’s Say It With Firecrackers.”
Pre-Teen Miss Mapleton contestants included Evelynn Wardwell, 11, daughter of David and Paige Wardwell, who danced to “You’ll Always Find Your Way Back home,” and Vivienne Pelletier, 10, daughter of Chris and Shelby Pelletier, who sang and danced to “Pure Imagination.”
Junior Miss Mapleton contestant Charlotte Ann Wardwell, age 14, daughter of David and Paige Wardwell, played the song “A Thousand Years” on the trumpet.
Miss Mapleton contestant Rhianna Desjardins, 16, daughter of Dave Desjardins and Nikki Poisson, performed an Irish dance to the “Shannon Reel.”
The last judging event was the evening wear competition. While judges tallied scores, the 2024 queens were escorted by their fathers to bid farewell.
Rhianna Desjardins was elected Miss Congeniality. The highest ticket sales winner was Evelynn Wardwell, and Charlotte Wardwell had the highest number of sponsorships. The People’s Choice Award, based on donations received at the pageant, went to Evelynn Wardwell.
Skylaya Darrell was crowned the 2025 Little Miss Mapleton. Evelynn Wardwell was crowned the 2025 Miss Preteen Mapleton with Vivienne Pelletier selected as first runner-up. The 2025 Junior Miss Mapleton is Charlotte Wardwell. The 2025 Teen Miss Mapleton is Emily Rebecca Collins, daughter of Darren and Michelle Collins.
The new reigning Miss Mapleton Queen for 2025 is Rhianna Desjardins. She is currently a Junior at Presque Isle High School. In addition to her schoolwork, Rhianna is active in sports playing varsity basketball.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
Auction breaks records
The 63rd annual Mapleton Lions Club Auction was the most successful in the long history of Mapleton Lions Club auction, according to chair Matt Gregg.
The success was based on the cash donations received, product and service donations made by area businesses and the generous spirit of those who purchased the items. Gregg and Lions Club President Rick Fowler thanked club members, donors and buyers for supporting the club and its charities.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
This year’s auction was unique as it was active online at the same time it occurred live at the Mapleton Lions Hall.
The funds raised will be used for college scholarships, eyeglasses for those in need, support of Mapleton Daze, sponsorship of a local student to Aroostook Teen Leadership Camp, support of the Mapleton Summer Recreation and Little League Programs, sponsorship of Quoggy Jo Youth after-school ski programs and other community needs.
The Mapleton Daze Committee thanks everyone who attended their baked bean and ham supper prior to the auction. Funds raised from the supper will help with 2025 Mapleton Daze expenses.
Breakfast a success
The committee thanks all who came out to their spring breakfast fundraiser on May 3 at the Mapleton Lions Hall.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
Everyone found the event to be a delicious treat. The breakfast buffet was filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, homemade baked beans, pancakes, toast, coffee, juice and water. Many attendees said they can hardly wait until the Mapleton Daze Hunter’s Breakfast this fall.
All funds raised go toward Mapleton Daze 2025 events.
Memorial Day
The Mapleton Lions Club will conduct its annual Memorial Day Parade and Remembrance Ceremony on Monday, May 26.
The parade lineup is at 1:30 p.m. and step-off is at 2. All organizations, groups and individuals who would like to march in the parade are welcome to join in during the lineup near Dudley Road at the end of Main Street. No reservation is necessary.
The Lions Club is accepting nominations for a veteran to serve as the parade grand marshal. If you have a recommendation, please contact Lions Steve Hanning at 551-6358.
The Mapleton Remembrance Ceremony will be held at the Mapleton-Chapman-Castile Hill Veterans Memorial Monument at the Mapleton Elementary School. Everyone is welcome to attend
Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.
