[Vista, CA] The 2024 Vista Strawberry Festival Pageant, held on Saturday, April 13th, proved to be a remarkable celebration of community, empowerment, and talent. With 14 contestants vying for the coveted title, the event showcased the best of Vista’s young talent and community spirit.
The pageant, which was free to attend, featured various segments, including formal interviews (which were conducted privately), strawberry wear, formal gown presentations, and on-stage questions. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Vista Mayor John Franklin, Legislative Chief of Staff Donna Cleary, Vista Councilman Dan O’Donnell, and City Council candidate and 2023 Vista Businessperson of the year, Denisse Barragan.
The dedicated director of the Miss Vista, Miss Teen Vista, Mr. Vista, and the Strawberry Festival Pageants, Laura Bednard, received a special recognition for her thirty years of unwavering commitment to empowering young individuals in the Vista community. Laura’s mentorship and leadership have had a profound impact on countless young men and women, instilling in them invaluable life skills and fostering self-confidence. She was presented proclamations from Mayor John Franklin and Assemblywoman Laurie Davies. They were joined on stage by Denisse Barragan, who was the very first Vista Strawberry Festival Queen in 2010 when the festival was initiated.
Ms. Barragan expressed her gratitude for Laura’s leadership and the organization, stating,“Laura’s commitment to mentoring young men and women in our community and empowering them to fearlessly embrace their potential and serve their community is inspiring.”
The pageant also paid tribute to the outgoing 2023 winner, Serenity Serda, who delivered a poignant speech expressing the profound impact of her reign on her life and her newfound love to serve her city. Reflecting on her transformative journey, Serenity highlighted the numerous community service activities she participated in, along with encouraging young women to be more confident in themselves. She expressed, “I can most certainly contribute my growth as a stronger, more confident, and compassionate woman to my year here before you all.”
The final highlight of the evening was the announcement of Yvon Nguyen as the 2024 Strawberry Festival Queen, alongside the four runners-up: Jariah Scott, Merri-Ann Pham, Amy Osuna, and Amanda Yates. These young ladies will form the court and will have the honor of representing the community at various events throughout the year, including the upcoming Strawberry Festival on Sunday, May 26th, hosted by the Vista Chamber of Commerce.
The event would not have been possible without the support of sponsors, volunteers, and the entire Vista community. The Miss Vista Pageant organization extends its heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to making the 2024 Strawberry Festival Pageant a resounding success, including The Vista Chamber of Commerce, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Vista, Scott Moson Photography, Fix Auto Vista, TJ Crossman Auto Repair, and North County Women in Networking,
Since its establishment in 1949, the Miss Vista Pageant has stood as a cherished tradition, providing a nurturing and inclusive platform for teens and young adults in the Vista community and beyond. For more information about the Miss Vista Pageants, please visit www.missvista.org
