Event expected to be standing room only
In less than 24 hours, the Cocopah Indian Tribe will celebrate the crowning of a new Miss Cocopah.
Organizers spent Wednesday preparing the ballroom at the Cocopah RV and Golf Resort for what is expected to be a standing room only event.
Three young ladies will take center stage at 6pm on Thursday night, vying for the title in a tradition that dates back to 1984.
They include: Samantha J. Twist, 18; Santana Maria Salazar,17; and Kayla Dannielle Burney, 16.
Pageant judges will evaluate the young ladies on their knowledge of Cocopah histories, traditions and overall poise.
The duties and responsibilities of Miss Cocopah are to represent the Tribe in a positive light and serve as a role model for tribal youth.
The new Miss Cocopah will serve a two-year term and represent the tribe at various tribal and community events.
Reigning Miss Cocopah Shelyne Twist will be at the pageant to crown the winner.
Twist, who was crowned in 2012, is currently in the running to become the next Miss Indian Arizona.
That pageant will be held on October 11, 2014, in Chandler.
