The 2007 Peach Celebration Queen said having the title was an awesome opportunity as it allowed Pedersen to volunteer her time to give back to the community.

"Being queen has its perks," Pedersen said. "I volunteered for the Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke and the Kidney Foundation. I got to meet so many people at the events. It was enlightening."

While she was grateful for her volunteer experience, Pedersen the best feeling is having young girls come up to her and tell her that she is a role model.

"That was a cool experience," Pedersen said.

Pedersen's reign as Peach Celebration Queen ends this Saturday at the Peach of a Celebration event in Niagara-on-the-Lake, where she will crown a new queen. Pedersen said she went into last year's pageant with an open mind but didn't have a clue that she would take the title.

"When they called second and first runner up's names, I felt like I had a chance," she said. "When they announced my name, I was just in awe. I was so excited."

The Peach Celebration Queen pageant is not your traditional contest. Unlike the traditional pageant where contestants prance around in swimsuits and evening gowns while being judged for their beauty, contestants here aren't judged on their looks, but rather their personality and overall character. In the weeks leading up to the ceremony, each contestant is interviewed and asked to write an essay on a topic of their choice.

The Peach Celebration Queen pageant is one of the main attractions at the 18th annual A Peach of a Celebration, Niagara-on-the-lake's annual festival which pays homage to the annual peach harvest.

Lori Taraba, a former peach queen and the pageant's organizer, said there will be eight contestants vying for the crown this year.

A Peach of a Celebration takes place August 9 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Queen Street in Old Town. Festivities will include live entertainment, classic car display, steamed corn-on-the-cob, sidewalk sales, and of course, peach related products.

For more information, call 905-468-1950.