Festival organiser John Hetherington said the quest was one of the highlights of the festival.

Girls of all ages from preschool to age 11 parade before the judges about 11am on the beautiful lawns in front of

the Kootingal

Amphitheatre.

Judging is in two sections – ages three to five, and six to 11. All over Kootingal and outlying areas, mothers are busy at their sewing machines creating a pretty frock for their daughters, he said.

“Of course we can’t neglect the boys so the Pumpkin Pirates are catered for in the same age group, with the boys dressing as pirates.”

Entry is free and great prizes are on offer.

Mr Hetherington said the festival was now in its eighth year and the committee was working on a new and different layout to previous years, using the Kootingal Amphitheatre for the quest together with the entertainment provided by Sally-Ann Whitten and a selection of various country artists throughout the day.