It was an event of royal proportions as Bay Ridge’s Norwegian community crowned its new Miss Norway.
Jennifer Egeberg took home the coveted title on Sunday, during the 56th annual pageant held at the Norwegian Christian Home, which is on 67th Street between 12th and 13th avenues.
It was the Staten Island native who, out of all the 13 beauties, won the hearts of the five judges — not just with her looks — but her personality as well.
“This isn’t just a beauty contest, we look at the over-all person” said Arlene Rutuelo, chairwoman for the event. “And Jennifer had great charm and intelligence.”
Egeberg also impressed the judges with her knowledge of Nowegian history and her interest in her heritage. She won two tickets to Norway, where she will be speaking at events and participating in festivals. It’s a big task, but Rutuelo thinks the University of Connecticut student can handle it.
“I think she is going to do a great job as Miss Norway,” said Rutuelo. “We were all really impressed with her and her accomplishments.”
The contest — open to the greater New York area — has been held every year since 1954, when the population of Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst primarily consisted of Norwegian immigrants. At the time, members of the community wanted a representative — someone who was both from New York, and Norwegian.
Though the competition is steeped in tradition, two years ago the committee added a Little Miss Norway component, which gave girls from ages 5 to 10 the chance to compete. This year, the competition added Little Mr. Norway for boys ages 5 to 10.
Egeberg — and the junior contestants — will be part of the 17th annual Norwegian Day Parade in Bay Ridge on May 15. The Norwegian community chooses to hold its parade in Bay Ridge instead of Manhattan, because it was here that its ancestors settled.
