Besides the traditional Armed Forces Day Parade being held this Saturday, there are several signature events held around town to honor and support our nation’s military.

For instance, the annual 2023 Miss Armed Forces Pageant honors military families and allies in an event that celebrates the theme “values worth fighting for”. This year’s pageant was held at the USO Building on May 6, where Miss Trinity DeVall took home the crown. The Jr. Miss Armed Forces winner is Carmen Gulcynski with runner-up Harley Madrid-Ramos. Paisley Gulcynski won the Mini Miss Armed Forces award with runner-up Olivia Wingfield. There were 18 contestants total amongst the three categories and around 150 people attended.

Courtesy photo – Contestants in the 2023 Armed Forces Day pageant.

“Every year comes with its own special moments and hiccups. This year, every girl brought their A game and owned that stage. This was one of the best groups we have ever coached,” says 2023 Pageant Coordinator and Coach Felicia Skvarna.

This is a bittersweet year for the pageant since coaches Tina Nelms, Ryann Nelms, and Skvarna tearfully announced that this will be their last year involved since Skvarna will begin teaching and Ryann will be leaving for cosmetology school in the fall. Ryann had won the Miss title in 2018 and Tina had been coaching with Skvarna for the last five years. Skvarna has been coaching and choreographing the pageant for nine years.

Courtesy photo – Armed Forces Day pageant winners from left, Paisley Gulcynski (Mini Miss), Carmen Gulcynski (Jr. Miss) and Miss Trinity DeVall.

“We have all loved coming back for the girls every year and helping them grow and bloom into confident, independent young ladies that are representing our county and the Armed Forces Day traditions,” says 2023 Pageant Coordinator and Coach Felicia Skvarna.

She’d like to extend a big thank you to the Mineral County community for supporting and helping to bring it together this year.

Catch the winners of this year’s pageant at the parade and perhaps around town at other AFD signature events, such as:

  • The 2023 Nevada State Chili Championship to be held at Barley’s May 19 at noon (proceeds to benefit the Kenny Bostic Memorial Youth Athletic Fund).
  • The AFD Banquet to be held at the USO Building the evening of May 19th with cocktails, dinner, and Count’s 77 playing live music (the cost is $45).
  • The El Capitan Fireworks Show begins at 9 p.m. from the rooftop of the casino on Friday, May 19, followed by The Art Jones Band that will be playing inside both Friday and Saturday evenings.
  • The Annual Armed Forces Car Show put on by the Renegades in the Joe’s Parking Lot at 8:30 p.m. on May 20 (prizes given for People’s Choice, OHV, Motorcycle, Pre-73 Muscle Car/Truck, 50s/60s/70s Classic, Rat Rod, and Best of Show.
  • The 62nd Annual Walker Lake High Desert Art Show at Higher Frequency Healing on 898 E Street.

While you’re making the rounds down E Street this weekend, be sure to buy your signature 2023 AFD T-shirt or two at the museum on 400 10th Street, The Hawthorne Ordnance Museum at 925 E Street, Financial Horizons Credit Union at 895 E Street, Higher Frequency Healing, or online at www.ArmedForcesDayNV.com. They will also be on sale at the official AFD table (along with signature, locally designed water bottles) on Friday and Saturday under the El Capitan marquee on the corner of 5th and Main streets.