ROCKLAND, Maine - The Sea Goddess Pageant at the 61st Maine Lobster Festival came to a dramatic conclusion Wednesday evening as two new officials took over the Main Stage before announcing the winners.
Bryson Cowan of Thomaston, daughter of Bill and Jody Cowan, was crowned the new Sea Goddess succeeding 2007 winner Megan Lynn Ranquist of Owls Head.
Cowan was awarded a $2,000 check for first place.
Runner-up Melissa Anne Burgess of Rockland, daughter of Steven and Lisa Burgess, was named Crown Princess and received $1,000.
Amber Marie Doak of Vinalhaven, daughter of Harold Doak and Melissa Gray Mazzeo, won third prize after being chosen Miss Congeniality by her peers. She received a $200 cash award.
Members of the U.S Coast Guard and the visiting Navy Ship, the USS Whidbey Island, served as the contestants’ escorts.
Cowan, who plans to attend Connecticut College in the fall, said she was “very happy” about being chosen.
Gordon Page of Maine Eastern Railroad took over as master of ceremonies, replacing Ken Bailey, who retired last year after serving in the post for 22 years.
Sharon Lombardo was the new Coronation Chairwoman, following Kay Warren, who resigned last year after 20 years of service.
Samuel Collins Jr., the Grand Marshal for this Saturday’ s parade, was honored on stage as the surviving incorporator of the festival who signed the original certificate of organization creating the Rockland Festival Corp.
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