LA PALMA

The 18 young women who will compete in the Miss La Palma Pageant on Nov. 5 began making public appearances last week--first at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, then at a Chamber of Commerce mixer on Wednesday. On Sunday, the group began rehearsing for the big event, which will be held at Servite High School in Anaheim.

“The pageant will open with a music and dance number,” said Mayor Alta E. Duke, who serves on the Miss La Palma Committee. “But that won’t be a judged segment. That’s more just for entertainment.”

The group will be judged on talent and speech segments during the pageant and on poise during private interviews with judges.

Six girls will be selected as winners--one will carry the Miss La Palma title for a year, the other five will serve as princesses. The royal court will appear at various city functions and chamber mixers throughout the next year.