A float procession through Suva at mid-day today will mark the start of this year’s week-long TFL Miss Fiji Pageant.

The 11 contestants from the various municipality carnivals will grace the event accompanied by climate change advocates, Government agencies, municipal representatives and youth groups.

Chairman of the Hibiscus Events Group, Hirdesh Prasad confirmed that this was the first time for the event to be hosted at the Thurston Gardens in Suva.

“We have our past winner Zaira Begg and she is assisting the contestants with their preparations,” Mr Prasad said.

“All 11 contestants have been in Suva the past few days, excited and ready to go,” he said.

The winner from the TFL Miss Fiji Pageant will represent Fiji in the Miss Pacific Island Pageant in Nadi later this year.

“All the works will be there – food stalls, rides, games, body painting and bouncing castles” Mr Prasad said of events at Thurston Gardens.

“There will be even a mini Flea Market at the back of the Albert Park Pavilion car park.”

“Ratu Cakobau Road will be closed from 6pm to 6am for all vehicles for the safety of the public.

For the first time sports competitions are included during the week-long festivity. Forty-three teams have confirmed their participation in the volleyball competition today starting at 8am at Albert Park.

Volleyball will feature men’s, women’s and mixed competition. Winners will receive cash prizes.

“From Monday to Wednesday we will have cricket matchs, which eight teams from the maritime islands  are taking part,” he said.

Public judging is on Wednesday night.

Crowning is on October 28, 2017.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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