How this P.E.I. pageant helps contestants come out of their shell and make the world their oyster

As the 2024 Miss Oyster Pearl was crowned on Sunday, it was also a chance for dozens of past winners of the pageant to reminisce about what the event means to them.

This weekend marked the 60th anniversary of the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival in the western P.E.I. community. As part of the celebrations, organizers set up a reunion for returning queens of years past. 

It was a family affair for 1977's Miss Oyster Pearl Sandra Taweel. Her niece, Rayleen Buchanan, won the crown in 2021. 

"It was very similar to today," said Taweel, who grew up in Ellerslie and now lives in Halifax. "It's a community event and … so many people were just enthusiastic about coming out and lots of people helping, so it was fun."

Added Buchanan: "I'm actually jealous of the crown they got back then. It was very regal and royal looking, so I kind of think they should bring that back. It was amazing to connect with past queens and share similar stories."

The oyster festival began in 1964 as a way to raise funds for the local rink. 

Its present-day format still includes the Miss Oyster Pearl pageant, as well as the annual parade, the Canadian Oyster Shucking Championship and the Rock the Rink concert, formerly Rock the Boat. 

The organizers continue to put money earned from the festival back into the rink — though it's now the nearly three-year-old Cavendish Farms Community Events Centre, built to replace the original arena that burned to the ground in 2019.

It's that community spirit that keeps people flocking to the oyster festival events year after year, Buchanan said.

"Lots of people from out of town come to see the parade and oyster festival — it is one of the largest rural community parades we have in West Prince," she said. "It's very fantastic just to see it still going strong and I hope it continues in years to come."

'It made me have more confidence'

The Miss Oyster Pearl pageant itself includes public speaking and talent components. The contestants are recent high school graduates from the community. 

Buchanan said taking the leap to be a part of the pageant helped her overcome some insecurities she'd been harbouring. 

"I was kind of a shy, introverted child, so I really just wanted to open up my shell and get on stage and just be the best version of myself," she said. "I'm really thankful for the pageant because it made me have more confidence in myself today.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Even if you think you're going to be shy and not do well, push yourself to get out of your comfort zone. You never know what might come of it."