Last-minute entries have saved the Senior Blossom Festival Queen event from being cancelled, the organiser says.
Liz Pratt said initially she had received four entries.
A minimum of five were needed for the event to go ahead. However, there had been two more entries
since then, with the last one being handed in on Wednesday, she said.
''Typical Alexandra - we don't send them in until the last minute.''
There were a lot of eligible women around, but some did not want to get involved, she said.
''They might think it's a beauty pageant but it's not.''
The event, which is in its 20th year, marks the start of Blossom Festival celebrations. 2013 winner Judy Elliot-Hall said it was a wonderful experience but numbers had dwindled in the last few years.
It used to be huge, she said.
''It's really a celebration to thank senior citizens for the work they have done in the community,'' she said.
Pre-judging will be held next Thursday. Contestants will have lunch with judges and then be interviewed.
Joy Ramsay, Sue Roy, and Ian Gray will judge this year's contestants.
Entrants will have their hair and make-up done before the crowning ceremony at the Alexandra District Club on September 21, where there will be afternoon tea and entertainment.
The winning queen and runner-up will ride on the Contact Energy float in the Grand Procession and have afternoon tea with the Blossom Festival princesses.
Prizes include tickets to the festival garden tour and the Otago Daily Times WoolOn Creative Fashion event.
