NEWS

Miss Destin contestants set sail for annual cruise aboard Southern Star

Tina Harbuck
The Destin Log

The sky was blue and the sun was shining as the 11 Miss Destin contestants boarded the Southern Star Dolphin Cruise boat Tuesday afternoon for a harbor cruise, just another reward in their pursuit to wear the crown for 2024. 

The 11 girls vying to wear the crown and sash are Evie Barkocy, Ivy Bryant, Caroline Campbell, Gabriella Castaneda, Sophie Corey, Caylen Curle, Reagan Magee, Maylin Nicholson, Caroline Pitchlynn, Isabella Riggs and Kaitlyn Williams.  

Eleven girls are vying for Miss Destin 2024. The contestants are, from left, Reagan Magee, Caylen Curle, Caroline Campbell, Caroline Pitchlynn, Gabriella Castaneda, Kaitlyn Williams, Maylin Nicholson, Ivy Bryant, Evie Barkocy, Sophie Corey and Isabella Riggs.

It was smooth sailing through the harbor, East Pass and out into Choctawhatchee Bay for the annual trip that leads up to the pageant set for 7 p.m. April 27 at Destin High School. 

More:11 girls vie for title of Miss Destin 2024

With the title of Miss Destin comes a $2,000 academic scholarship. The pageant is not a beauty contest. Contestants are judged on personality, communication skills and availability to fulfil the duties of Miss Destin at the 76th annual Destin Fishing Rodeo.  

The contestants were also treated to sandwiches, chips and soda on the harbor cruise.

During the cruise, Helen Donaldson, executive director of the Rodeo, went over a few last-minute details with the girls before their next event, which is a Judges Tea on April 21. Each girl will have individual interviews with the pageant judges and an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon with other contestants and their parents.

Donaldson assured the girls that the judges would not ask them any questions they would not be able to answer.

The girls had a fun time trying on all their new goodies. Pictured from left are Ivy Bryant, Isabella Riggs, Maylin Nicholson and Reagan Magee.

“Just be yourself,” Amber Helton encouraged the girls. Helton is this year’s chairman of the Destin Fishing Rodeo as well as a past Miss Destin, 2005. 

During the cruise, the girls enjoyed one another and loved their personalized embroidered beach bags filled with all kinds of swag from T-shirts to Stanley cups. 

“The Boshamps shirt is my favorite,” said Caroline Campbell. 

Evie Barkocy and Kaitlyn Williams like their new T-shirts.

“I love the bag,” said Caroline Pitchlynn, noting it was in her favorite colors. 

“I like it all,” Reagan Magee chimed in. 

The girls received at least five T-shirts from various businesses around town, a ticket for the Buccaneer Pirate Ship, caps and visors, chap sticks, anklets and more. 

Destin Fishing Rodeo Executive Director Helen Donaldson talks with the contestants about what to expect the next few days as they prepare for the pageant on April 27.

“The Buccaneer ticket is my favorite,” Evie Barkocy said. 

The Miss Destin pageant is at 7 p.m., April 27 at Destin High School. The pageant is free, and all are welcome.