Pageant Queen and Princesses

The tradition of selecting the Pageant Queen began in 1940. Back then, the Pageant Queen was called a 'Store Queen'. She was chosen from John Martins staff to help with wartime fundraising activities. The role was so popular that after the war ended, the event organisers continued to choose a Queen and established other traditions.

The credit unions have continued the Pageant Queen tradition since 1996 by choosing staff members to represent the Credit Union Christmas Pageant and the values of credit unions.

Every year, there are six Pageant Princesses - one from each sponsoring credit union. Each Pageant Princess is then interviewed for the role of Pageant Queen. Based on a time honoured interview process, a panel of judges select the best person to represent all of the Credit Unions and the Credit Union Christmas Pageant for 12 months. This role is a true honour. 

The Pageant Queen is presented to the people of South Australia as someone who has a very special part to play in the Credit Union Christmas Pageant - she is the public face of the Pageant and welcomes Father Christmas on Pageant Day.

The Pageant Queen attends the official Pageant Launch in October and credit union functions and makes visits to children in special schools throughout South Australia and the Women's and Children's Hospital. On Pageant Day she spends the morning with the Princesses preparing for the big day, then rides through the streets of Adelaide waving to the crowds from her very own float, surrounded by the five Pageant Princesses.