From The Trentonian – TRENTON, New Jersey — On Sunday night the Costa Rican Civic Association of Mercer County held their annual beauty pageant to choose Miss Costa Rica 2014, Miss Chiquitita, and Little Miss Costa Rica at Rho Waterfront in Trenton.
The civic organization, which has been in existence since 2004, represents the rapidly growing community of Costa Rican immigrants living across the Greater Trenton area.
“With this event we aim to unite our community and connect them with their home-land culture,” said Daniel Fallas President of the organization. “This is our third important event that we have held this year for our community,” he added.
The pageant contestants ranged from 3 years old to 18 years old, who participated in groups according to their age group. Each was judged by a panel of community members on three different categories.
Throughout the evening, parents, friends, and the audience cheered their pageant candidate with signs and chants. In between presentations the spectators enjoyed the food, folkloric dances and characteristics of culture.
This year’s Miss Costa Rica 2014 received international coverage from Teletica a Costa Rican broadcast network which aired the pageant in Costa Rica. The master of ceremonies was Adrian Duran a popular news anchor for that network.
“We are bringing the message of unity and a little bit of the Costa Rican warmth to our people here,” said Duran.
The beauty pageant ended with Maria Priscilla Chavez (17) being crowned Miss Costa Rica 2014, Allezon Bonilla (9) as Miss. Chiquitita, and April Sabrina Hernandez as Mini Miss Costa Rica.
“I am very happy and proud to represent Costa Rica” said the beauty girl just after been crowned as Miss Costa Rica in Trenton.
The president of the civic association noted that some funds will be used to help palliative care treats people suffering from serious and chronic illnesses in Costa Rica.
