Search for Queen look-a-like begins

Newmarket Business Association

20 April 2006

Search for Queen look-a-like begins

On the eve of New Zealand's Head of State Queen Elizabeth's 80th birthday, an intensive search is on to crown the most convincing Queen look-alike.

Women who bare a resemblance to the Monarch are being encouraged to gather outside Smith and Caughey's on Broadway Newmarket at 3pm on Saturday 22 April. The grand prize for the most convincing Queen will be at least $500 worth of Newmarket shopping vouchers.

"We're calling on women of all ages to enter this contest which is Newmarket's way of marking such a distinguished milestone," said organiser Cameron Brewer of the Newmarket Business Association.

Mr Brewer said with well known Queen impersonator, Dorenna Gardiner, now living in North Otago, it's time Auckland crowned a new Queen look-a-like.

"The winner might be someone who looks like a young Princess Elizabeth, the Queen in the 1970s, or one who bares a more modern day resemblance. They might want to dress up, they might not. That is completely over to one's discretion and good taste.

"Those wearing masks and wigs or even dressed up as drag queens won't be discouraged but the reality is the judges will be after quite a natural resemblance of Her Majesty. I suspect there's many women out there who over the years have been told they resemble the Queen. It's time they now had their blue-blooded genes confirmed," said Mr Brewer.

The $500 shopping vouchers are sponsored by the Newmarket Business Association. However organisers are convinced the first prize will finish up to be worth much more than $500 because once the word gets out Newmarket businesses will be falling over themselves to add to the prize pool. Who knows the winner might be in for an extreme makeover!

Those interested in entering the look-a-like competition are asked to register by the close of Friday by calling 09-529-1460 or emailing office@newmarket.net.nz

The actual Queen's 80th birthday is tomorrow - Friday 21 April.

ENDS

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