Kristen is Miss Kiama Showgirl for 2008

KATINA CURTIS

AN equestrienne who joined the Kiama Showgirl competition due to not being able to show her horses in the wake of the Equine Influenza crisis has been named Miss Showgirl for 2008.

Kristen Kalkman was given the blue sash of the Kiama Showgirl on Friday night in front of a crowd of thousands at the showground.

She said she was “gob smacked” at winning the competition.

“I’m surprised, very surprised and just happy,” she said.

“It’s just an honour and I am looking forward to being more involved with the show society.”

The 23-year-old, who grew up in Oak Flats and now lives in Wandandian, will go on to compete in the zone final on February 23 at Bulli.

She said she was very grateful to the organisers of the Kiama competition for helping all the girls through it.

“It’s a bit nerve-wracking to be going on, but with (last year’s showgirl) Pip (Yabsley) and Marie (Mete, showgirl co-ordinator,) you have a really good support system; they’re great,” she said.

The runner-up was Loretta Marlan.

She was “very shocked” to have achieved this, particularly because she was the youngest of the five girls and had thought this might count against her.

“I thought all the girls were really good and I couldn’t pick who would have won it so I’m very excited to get runner-up,” she said.

“It’s given me a whole new light on the show; it’s been really great being involved.”

The showgirl parade in vintage cars was particularly special for her because she was driven in her late grandfather’s MG.

Last year’s showgirl, Ms Yabsley, said she would miss the title a little, but she was very happy to be handing the sash to an “amazing group” of young women and fantastic ambassadors for the Kiama region.