By Linny Folau

The third and the last judging event for the 2009 Miss Heilala Pageant last night, July 30, featured the sarong swimwear, contemporary island creation, talent contest and stage interview.

Held at the Heilala Village and attracting many spectators to central Nuku'alofa, the night began with the contestants in their colourful sarong swimwear followed by the creative contemporary island creation costumes, the stage interview and talent contest.

The top five contestants in each category were announced at the conclusion of the competition and the talented Miss Leiola Duty Free, Paea Williams of Hawaii emerged as a strong contender for the title.

So far she has placed in the top five of all six judging events ranging from the first pre-pageant interview, the tau'olunga competition, sarong, contemporary island creation, talent contest and stage interview.

Top five (in random order) from Thursday night's competition:

Sarong

1. Miss Tonga China Friendship Association

2. Miss Loumaile Lodge

3. Miss Lady Maria Australia

4. Miss Leiola Duty Free

5. Miss Appraxus Immigration

Contemporary Island Creation

1. Miss Liahona Prep

2. Miss Leiola Duty Free

3. Miss Tonga Visitors Bureau

4. Miss Tonga Tourism USA

5. Miss Tonga China Friendship Association

Talent

1. Miss Loumaile Lodge

2. Miss Tonga Tourism USA

3. Miss Lady Maria Australia

4. Miss Leiola Duty Free Shop

5. Miss Liahona Prep

Stage Interview

1. Miss Tonga Visitors Bureau

2. Miss Lady Maria Australia

3. Miss Leiola Duty Free

4. Miss Liahona Prep

5. Miss Appraxus Immigration

The announcement and crowning of the new Miss Heilala 2009-10 will be held tonight in a Heilala Festival Ball at the Queen Salote Memorial Hall.