By Lucy Waldron
The 2025 Stanthorpe Showgirl Quest is officially underway, with the first three contestants stepping forward to vie for the title of Miss Showgirl.
Taleyah Evans, Evie Gasparin, and Tiff Chase have all entered the quest, bringing their unique motivations and enthusiasm to the competition, which aims to promote community involvement and the agricultural roots of the Stanthorpe Show.
Taleyah Evans, nearly 20 years old, has long aspired to participate in the Showgirl Quest. Having grown up competing in horse riding events at agricultural shows, Taleyah always admired the Showgirl contestants. Now, she’s ready to take her turn.
“I’ve finally been given the opportunity to participate,“ Taleyah said. “I’m looking forward to promoting women in agriculture and raising money for the show society.“
Taleyah, who moved to Stanthorpe from Mudgee, NSW, in 2019, has already begun her fundraising efforts. She plans to host a ladies’ bingo night at the Stanthorpe RSL on 28 September, and she will also be running a raffle at the Stanthorpe Campdraft on 14 September.
Taleyah’s extensive experience in agricultural shows includes winning the title of Supreme Rider at the 2020 Stanthorpe Show, and she hopes her passion for the community will shine through in her quest for the title.
Eighteen-year-old Evie Gasparin is also stepping outside her comfort zone by joining the quest. Evie and her sister had often discussed entering the Showgirl competition together, but sadly, her sister passed away before she was old enough to participate.
“So while I’m doing it for myself, I feel like I’m doing it for her too,“ Evie shared. She sees the quest as an opportunity for personal growth, and she is excited to take on the challenge of organising community events.
Evie’s first fundraiser, a raffle and street stall, will take place this month, and she is already planning a bingo night in October and a garden party in November.
“I’m looking forward to organising many different fundraisers and learning more about the history of the show,“ Evie said.
The third contestant, 23-year-old Tiff Chase, is passionate about engaging the youth in the community and fostering a deeper connection to the show culture. Having participated in the Beaudesert Show as a child, Tiff is eager to help create memorable experiences for others.
“I’m looking forward to helping the community grow and come together on show day,“ Tiff said. “Knowing I was part of that experience would be amazing.“
Tiff’s fundraising efforts will include social media and street raffles, community events, and flyers to introduce herself to the community.
After a brief hiatus due to COVID-19, the Stanthorpe Showgirl Quest has returned and is already shaping up to be an exciting event. For more information, visit stanthorpeshowgrounds.com.au
