POINT PLEASANT — Five ladies vied for the 2010 Heritage Queen title during Wednesday’s pageant, which was held at the Gene Salem Senior Center in Point Pleasant.

Point Pleasant Mayor Brian Billings emceed the pageant, while the 2010 Battle Days royalty, which included Miss Battle Days Meghann Hesson, Little Miss Battle Days Kylie Billings, Young Miss Battle Days first runner-up Delaney Bronosky, and Young Miss Battle Days second runner-up Aubrey Lewis, assisted by distributing voting ballots to those in attendance. City Clerk Amber Tatterson also presented all contestants and former Heritage Queens with “I Love Point Pleasant” pins.

During the pageant, contestants talked about their hobbies, interests, children and grandchildren. Prior to announcing the winner, 2009 Heritage Queen Sheila Ann Elkins addressed the crowd. Elkins encouraged those in attendance to help the community.

“Get out and volunteer. You’re never to old to volunteer,” she said. “Everybody do your part, get out there and be involved.”

Billings agreed with Elkins’ statement, and praised her reign as Heritage Queen.

“She’s done an excellent job. We are very proud of her,” he said.

Of the five queen contestants, Patricia Sallaz of Gallipolis Ferry, came out on top. Sallaz was crowned by Elkins.

“I will do the best I can to represent all the seniors of Mason County,” Sallaz said. “I also hope to be a living testament as a born-again Christian.”

Sallaz, 73, and has three children, 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Her interests include church activities, reading, helping other seniors and singing in the choir. Sallaz said that she plans to get other seniors involved in the community during her reign as Heritage Queen.

“I would like to encourage all seniors to be active in the community by volunteering and participating in the many opportunities available to them,” she added.

Other contestants included Mary Holley, 86, of Point Pleasant; Charlotte Rose Knaul, 90, of Point Pleasant; Linda Morris, 66, of Point Pleasant; and Margaret Kiser, 62, of Point Pleasant.

Holley’s interests include cooking, canning, house keeping, shopping, playing cards, spending time with her friends and family, and going for rides in the country. She has two sons, Jim and Bill, and 10 grandchildren. She says she was talked into running for Heritage Queen.

Knaul said she is interested in reading novel books, including murder and true story books. She has four children and five grandchildren. Knaul ran for Heritage Queen because she likes to dress up for the fun of it.

Morris says her interests include helping seniors at the center and other people. She has three children and six grandchildren. Morris decided to run for Heritage Queen because she would like to be a spokesperson for the center and help improve the center by talking to those who don’t know about the services they offer.

Kiser’s interests include singing gospel songs and reading. She has five children, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild. She is part Cherokee Indian and decided to run for Heritage Queen since her ancestors were the first pioneers.

Each of the contestants dressed up in nice outfits and costumes and were cheered on by the audience. Sallaz will reign alongside Hesson and the rest of the Battle Days royalty this weekend. She also will have a year to promote the senior center.

Sponsors for the pageant included Siders & Sons Jewelers, queen’s crown; Women’s Club, cake, queen’s sash and queen’s bouquet of flowers; Four Season’s Florist, corsage for each contestant; and Mary Kay Consultant - Amy Music, gift bags for contestants and queen.