The Show Queen competition is run as part of the South Otago A&P Show and will be held on November 25.
Show Queen competition convener Ingrid Keating said applications were open and young women had until October 20 to register.
Five of the 10 positions available in the pageant were filled already.
Ms Keating won the title in 1985 and still had her winner’s sash.
As for the prized crown, it was locked away by the A&P society until show day when the new Queen was crowned.
The competition focused on character-building to help develop their skills, Ms Keating said.
"The girls always get something out of it."
Team-building exercises were planned for contestants and this year the focus was on embracing rural women and life in the country.
Ms Keating said the committee was trying to let the competitors know that "there’s life after everything" and rural women could still have as much fun as city women.
She also wanted to help develop their skills before the day with workshops to help them with things such as make-up and speech-writing.
On Show Day, the women would also be given gumboots and merino socks instead of high heels as South Otago weather was unpredictable.
Money raised from fundraising efforts would go towards a charity chosen by the competitors.
And would South Otago, like Alexandra’s Blossom Festival, allow men to enter? It was something the committee would discuss, Ms Keating said, but it had always been a show "Queen" and this year it was still one for the ladies.
"It’s just tradition ... but that’s not to say it can’t happen."
Registration forms were available from Balclutha House of Travel, Zouave Hair Salon and online.
