Seven girls have joined the 2012 Miss Heilala Pageant and will take part in an orientation program at Liku'alofa Beach Resort on Friday, July 20 before the Pageant begins next week at Pangai Lahi.

The contestants include four local girls and three girls from overseas.

From New Zealand is Miss Bou's Fashion, Diamond Langi (22); from the USA, Miss Horizon Sun, Zola Fauolo (19) from Utah;  and Miss Malo e Lelei Travel, Akinita Maile from Hawaii.

The local girls are Miss Loumaile Lodge, Audrey Lolohea (21), a student at the University of the South Pacific; Miss Lady Maria Australia, Siulolo Ramsay (18), Miss Liahona Alumni, Ebony Nuku; and Miss Black Pearl Suites, Kathleen Walters (22) from Nukunuku.

Some of the contestants have arrived in the capital and began rehearsals today, including the reigning Miss Heilala Liberty Afeaki.

Heilala Festival

Meanwhile, Tonga's annual Heilala Festival begins tonight with a Inter-College Brass Band competition at the new Heilala Village in Pangai Lahi.

On Thursday, July 19 there will be a cultural evening of traditional Tongan dancing competition, followed with the Heilala block party on Taufa'ahau Road, on Friday night July 20.

A Western Union/Fexco One Tonga choral night, will be held on Sunday night, July 22.

Pageant

The Miss Heilala Pre-Pageant interviews will be held on Monday July 23.

On Tuesday July 24, is the Miss Tau'olunga dancing competition. Followed by the Miss Heilala South Pacific Evening competition of island creation, talent, and sarong on Thursday, July 26.

The new Miss Heilala 2012-13 will be crowned during a Miss Heilala Ball on Friday night, July 27 at the Convention Centre, at the Tonga Post building.

A float parade will conclude the Heilala Week and pageant on Saturday, July 28, from the Teufaiva Stadium to the Vuna Wharf on the Nuku'alofa waterfront.