Countdown is on for 2018 Miss Wagga Quest crowning

Ahead of the big event, even the titleholders’ crowns have had some TLC.

On Thursday current Miss Wagga Sarah Navin and Community Princess Jes Smith took in the headpieces for cleaning ahead of the November 4 ceremony.

Ms Navin and Ms Smith were the first titleholders to wear these crowns, which were handmade at Wagga firm Epica Jewellers.

The intricate detailing in the two crowns took about 50 hours to complete.

As the first Miss Wagga and Community Princess to wear the crowns, Ms Navin and Ms Smith were also the first ones to take the headpieces overseas.

The women wore the crowns during official functions while they were visiting Leavenworth, Wagga’s sister city in the United States.

For Ms Smith, one of the highlights was wearing the crown to a mayoral reception and hearing it declared to be “Wagga Wagga Week” during their time there.

“We got a lot of compliments on the crowns," she said.

“People love to see them.”

For Ms Smith, there are mixed feelings as the ceremony – and the end of her reign – approach.

“It’s crazy how quickly the end of the year has come up,” she said.

There are five entrants vying for the 2018 titles: Zoe Martin, Sarah Brunskill, Katharine Graham, Maddison Smith and Aley Harvey.

The crowning ceremony will be held at the Wagga Art Gallery from 5pm.

It is open to the public, family and friends.

It is during this ceremony that Ms Navin and Ms Smith will formally surrender the crowns.

Miss Wagga Question spokeswoman Sonia Pace said the two titleholders would wear them into the ceremony, but will then remove them so the 2018 winners can be crowned.

While the crowning ceremony is open to the public, tickets are required for the dinner afterwards.

The dinner will be held at the International Hotel and tickets are $75.

The are tickets still available, but they are only on sale until Monday. Book here.