Because it really is so much more than that.

Hardly comparable to a beauty pageant, Miss Wagga teaches girls so much more than just how to apply makeup.

Entries have dwindled in recent years but what hasn’t is the enthusiasm that those who are involved have for the quest.

And it really is that.

It’s a quest for self improvement, to raise money, to engage the local community and to give back to it.

These girls are committed to the charities that benefit from the numerous events each year.

Unlike other fundraising events, the girls organise and host the events as a team.

It’s not a all for one and one for all mentality.

This weekend is the start of months of fundraising for the five entrants and it starts with a trivia night.

And the best part is, the questions are Wagga-based.

There will be numerous events to be held in the coming months and each will raise money to be split between this year’s seven beneficiaries. 

Months of hard work, classes, fundraising and commitment then culminates in an evening ceremony.

The girls get dressed up and escorted and the winner gets a crown.

What we said about the beauty pageant might not be sounding as true now we’ve said that.

But the Miss Wagga Quest ceremony is one of tradition and honour.

Every girl who’s passed through has said they achieved the unimaginable.

They were now instilled with confidence, poise, experience and a new appreciation for their city.

The crown and sash are identifiable in the community and within each of our sister cities around the world.

It is the tradition, and the experiences that come with it, that ensure the quest continues. 

To help the city get to know the entrants better, The Daily Advertiser will run entrant profiles every week from Saturday in The Weekend Advertiser.

Coverage of the fundraising events will continue until the crowning of the new Miss Wagga and Community Princess at the end of the year.