Lightning Ridge Opal Festival — Entrants needed for Opal Queen competition

Entrants in the 2023 Opal Queen event were (l-r) Angel-Lena Wiesnet, Tamara Thomas, Tallulah Chesworth, Samantha Mehan, Emma-Lee Fretwell, Renee Burgess, Samantha Watt and Elisabeth Gale. Photo contributed

The biennial Lightning Ridge Opal and Gem Festival is fast approaching, and the committee is on the lookout for entrants in the Opal Queen competition.

From Wednesday 24th to Saturday 27th of July, the iconic Opal Festival, which includes the Opal Queen Ball, Opal & Gem Expo, Australian Opal Awards Trade Show, and the Australian Opal Awards Jewellery Competition is on again.

The event attracts approximately 4000 people over four days and is the largest on the Australian opal events circuit.

While plans for fun and entertainment are underway, the committee is actively seeking entrants into the Opal Queen event.

Ladies over the age of 18, and residents of Lightning Ridge for the last six months, are being encouraged to enter the glamorous Opal Queen competition where thousands of dollars in prizes up for grabs.

There is also the opportunity to become the opal industry’s ambassador at the Australian Opal Exhibition and local events.

Festival Event Coordinator, Sally Weeks said the event has moved with the times.

“I have been in my role for about three years and previously there was more of a focus on the prettiest girl in the prettiest frock,” Ms Weeks said. […]

Read more in the printed edition of The Western Herald.

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