Strathmore local takes Miss Calgary title

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

Only a year after 22-year-old Bailee Simonin decided to break her personal barriers and take to the stage at the Miss Calgary competition, where she won first runner-up, the Strathmore local grasped the title when she was crowned 2016 Miss Calgary on May 14.
Born and raised in Strathmore, Simonin initially signed on with Patti Falconer Agencies for modeling roughly three years ago, where she received constant nudges to partake in pageantry. Embracing the challenge, Simonin decided to step out of her comfort zone, practiced public speaking, and zipped up her evening gown to stand beside 65 other contestants – representing their respective regions – at last year’s Miss Universe Canada. While she did not place within the Top 10, Simonin impressed the judges with her interview responses, knowledge of Calgary and technique at the 2015 Miss Calgary competition, and awarded her the first runner-up position.
With nothing to lose, Simonin once again faced off against eight other pageant hopefuls last weekend.
“I never originally started out saying I want to try pageants,” said the Calgary royalty.
“You’re stepping out of your comfort zone and that’s when you really start to grow as a person and you try things that might scare you, but when you accomplish it you get up on stage and that wave of relief when you’re done definitely builds your confidence.”
The Miss Calgary competition was Simonin’s third pageant, and she recognized experience as a contributing factor to her recent success. Knowledge of the process, preparation, and not memorizing her answers to the questions beforehand may also have played a part in her getting the title, she said.
Overall, however, she noticed the most change in herself.
“I think throughout the year, I’ve really discovered a lot about myself,” she added.
“When I look back a couple years ago, did I think that I’d be confident enough to do it? Maybe not. But now definitely… and it gets better each time that you do it. It’s good for the youth to try things that not everyone is doing. Don’t be just ordinary, try something out of the ordinary.”
Having been crowned this year’s Miss Calgary, Simonin is already becoming aware of the responsibilities associated with her new position. Although she is looking forward to making an appearance and taking part in the Calgary Stampede pancake breakfast, the Calgary Meals on Wheels Great Pie Chuck and Chomp, and the Lilac Festival, her roots and the last eight years working at the local Boston Pizza have her exploring volunteer work and becoming involved in local events as well.
She also recently joined the Strathmore Ladies’ Auxiliary – her grandmother has been a member of the Strathmore Royal Canadian Legion Branch 10 for over 60 years – and hopes to get involved with the Make a Wish Foundation, Calgary’s Children’s Hospital and the Canadian Cancer Society.
Simonin is unable to take part in Miss Calgary in the future, now that she has won the title, but is adamant about competing for the Miss Universe Calgary title again in a few years’ time.