16 July 2009
All hail the 2009 Credit Union Christmas Pageant Queen and inaugural King
A gentle giant and a former Cinderella have stolen the stage, winning the coveted Credit Union Christmas Pageant Queen and King positions. Community CPS Australias Matt Nolis and Satisfacs Marie Antoniou are today celebrating their new roles, looking forward to the whirlwind of magical activity spanning the next four months leading up to Pageant Day on November 14.
One of the youngest members of this years royal family, 20 year-old Matt Nolis, has the honour of being the first ever Credit Union Christmas Pageant King and is excited about the moment he gets to stand alongside his ultimate hero, Father Christmas, on Pageant Day.
Its such an honour to be the first Pageant King in history and I look forward to setting the precedent for the generations of Pageant Kings to come, Matt said.
Male role models at the forefront of the Credit Union Christmas Pageant will support the Queen and her Princesses spread the Pageant magic and the spirit of Christmas to an even wider South Australian audience.
With this years theme being families sharing memories, Im looking forward to creating some new and special ones in my role as King to share with my family and friends in the years to come, he said.
This years Pageant Queen, 24 year-old Marie said she was honoured to share the royal role with the inaugural Credit Union Christmas Pageant King.
The Credit Union Christmas Pageant is truly unique as some 1000 staff from the six sponsoring credit unions unite to stage this iconic South Australian community event. Im thrilled to be playing a part in touching the hearts of so many South Australians.
With the King, Princes and Princesses at my side, Im really looking forward to touring regional SA schools, libraries and special needs centres to bring the laughter, fun and Pageant magic, particularly to those that may not be able to make it on the day, Marie said.
Credit Union Christmas Pageant Company Chair, Peter Evers, announced Marie and Matt as the 2009 Credit Union Christmas Pageant Queen and King at a public ceremony at the Rundle Mall Gawler Place Canopy on Thursday 16 July.
Its fantastic to have male royalty in this years event and all the Credit Union Christmas Pageants moving forward. The Pageant is a much loved tradition and the credit unions have been dedicated to continuing the Queen tradition since its inception in 1939, Peter said.
The royalty are pivotal in ensuring the Pageant provides a warm, fun and lasting memory to South Australians and visitors to the state. Its an event tradition spanning more than 75 years and one which the credit unions are committed to continue supporting, he said.
Credit Union Christmas Pageant Event Director, Brian Gilbertson said developing the Credit Union Christmas Pageant but staying true to tradition was just one of the ways that the event continues to appeal to all generations.
Each year we unveil new and exciting aspects to be seen on Pageant Day, and while there are a still a few more surprises ahead, were very proud today to celebrate the modern day Credit Union Christmas Pageant Royal Family with a Pageant Queen and King.
The Credit Union Christmas Pageant is owned and managed by the South Australian Tourism Commission on behalf of the South Australian Government and sponsored by six leading credit unions in South Australia - Savings & Loans, Australian Central, Community CPS Australia, Police, Powerstate, and Satisfac.
Interview opportunities are available, on request, with the 2009 Credit Union Christmas Pageant Queen and her Princesses and the King and his Princes and the Credit Union Christmas Pageant Event Director.
For further media information or to request an interview please contact:
communikate et al on 8331 1444 or
Briar Whitfield on 0422 894 132 or briar@communikate.net.au
Alex Ruffin on 0408 849 701 or alex@communikate.net.au
Click here to download media release.
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