GUSTINE — A century‑old community tradition returned to the stage June 12 as the Little Mr. & Miss Gustine and Miss Gustine Pageant filled GPS Hall with families, cheers and hometown pride.

Natalie Ventura was crowned Miss Gustine 2026, with Kolby Watts named first runner‑up and Delilah Glassman second runner‑up.

In the Little Miss division, Elly Garcia earned the title of Little Miss Gustine. Amelia Oliveira was named first runner‑up, and Anastacia Chico‑Ramos placed second runner‑up. Colt Meese returned to the stage as Little Mr. Gustine.

Gustine Mayor Pat Nagy served as emcee for the evening. He said announcing the winners was both the best and hardest part of the night because each contestant “will represent Gustine very well.”

The evening began at 5:30 p.m. with the Little Mr. & Miss competition, followed by the Miss Gustine Pageant. Organizer Chandra Borrelli said the event continues a tradition that began more than a century ago, when the contest was known as Miss Liberty. Over the years, the pageant has been held at venues across town, including the Town Pool, the high school auditorium, the gazebo, GPS Hall and the Al Goman Center.

While some have referred to this year’s event as a revival, Borrelli said the pageant never truly disappeared. The last competition was held in 2024, but the 2025 event was canceled due to a lack of volunteers — a challenge she said continues today.

“There really aren’t any changes being proposed for this year,” Borrelli said. “Finding volunteers willing to give their time remains one of the biggest challenges.”

This year’s contestants included:

Little Miss contestants • Amelia Jane Oliveria, 6, daughter of Dustin and Cara Oliveria, sponsored by Oliveira Farms, LLC • Anastacia Ramos‑Chico, 6, daughter of Viviana Ramos, sponsored by Linville James SOD • Elly Jane Garcia, 6, daughter of Alberto and Adriana Garcia, sponsored by Green Stone Transport

Miss Gustine contestants • Kolby Watts, daughter of Eric Watts and Valerie Watts Gonzalez and stepdaughter of Aldo Gonzalez, sponsored by Westside Welding and My Mechanic • Delilah Glassman, daughter of China Fantazia and Darren Glassman, sponsored by Rico Pfizer & Pires • Natalie Ventura, daughter of Jim and Melissa Ventura, sponsored by In Good Taste Catering, Inc. and DJ Dan

Contestants for Miss Gustine must live in Gustine and be a high school freshman through senior. Each is required to secure $600 in sponsorships, and proceeds from the event support the community’s Fourth of July fireworks show.