The Gore and Webbers Falls Lion Club recently sponsored the eighth annual Miss Merry Christmas Queen contest, which was held in association with the Gore Christmas Parade.

The contestants were nominated by each class in the third through sixth grade at Gore Elementary School, Terry Sloan, Gore and Webbers Falls Lion Club member, said.

The public voted on their favorite by making a donation to the Lions Club. Ballot boxes were placed at Armstrong Bank and Harps Grocery Store in Gore, Sloan said.

The Lions Club raised $738.98, which will be used by the Lions Club for eyeglasses and eye exams for needy families in the Gore area and other community service activities, Sloan said.

Kaylee Hughes, a third grade student at Gore Elementary School, was selected as the queen; and Kourtney Andrews was first runner-up; Michaella O'Connor was second runner-up; and Faith Mooers was third runner-up.

All contestants received a commemorative trophy and Hughes and the three runners-up rode in the Gore Christmas Parade, Sloan said.

The Lions Club thanks Flowers Say It All for the donation of flowers to each participant, Armstrong Bank for the donation of trophies, and Armstrong Bank and Harp's Grocery Store for allowing the use of their businesses.

Paula Parker's third grade class was presented with a pizza party from the Lions Club for having the winning contestant, Sloan said.