Illiana Watermelon Association reserves the following rights:

The IWAQ (Illiana Watermelon Association Queen) will represent only the IWA for a year or until the new Queen is selected, and will have no other activities that will interfere with her representation of IWA during her reign.
In the event the IWAQ is unable to complete her year reign for any reason, the IWAQ will return all monies, gifts, prizes, etc. received as the IWAQ.
The IWAQ must be available by phone at all times.
With only the exception of school, the IWAQ must be available for all scheduled promotions during her reign.
The IWAQ will compete for the National Watermelon Association Queen title at the National Watermelon Association Convention.
The Promotions Coordinator has the sole discretion to choose a replacement/fill-in to assume duties of the Queen in the event of double booking, or other unforeseen events based upon the needs of any specific promotion or at the sole discretion of the IWA officers/board members. The 1^st Runner-Up will be available to assume the duties of the IWAQ in the event that the IWAQ steps down for any reason.
Dress code to include sundress, skirts, tops, blouses, dress slacks, capris, dresses, suits or evening wear of a conservative nature. The Promotions Coordinator will have the final say on what is considered appropriate attire for the Queen and other representatives.
IWA reserves the right to ask for resignation of the reigning Illiana Watermelon Queen upon recommendation from the Illiana Watermelon Promotion Coordinator and the IWA Executive Committee.
IWA Promotions Coordinator will approve all social media posts on the IWA social channels before posting. The IWA reserves the right to remove IWA social media account access from the IWAQ at any time.

Competition:

Promotion Wear - is defined as attire you would wear to a promotion. (dress, jumpsuit, etc.) This is your introductions and short bios given by announcer Friday evening. Try and show off your personality in your attire. Seed spitting competition is immediately following.

Interview - An interview with a panel of judges will take place Saturday morning of the competition, with a written and video interview before or after. Appropriate attire is business suit/dress or something comparable.

Speech & Impromptu Question - Speech competition shall consist of memorized speech (2-3 minutes) designed to show off your personality and inform the judges and the Illiana Watermelon Association who you are. Use this time to show the judges what drives you and how that will make you a good representative of our organization. Impromptu questions will be asked immediately following speech. Same impromptu question will be given to each contestant. Speech/Impromptu will follow the interviews. Attire will be the same outfit as interview portion.

Auction – t shirt will be provided. Non-judged portion but still observed.
Evening gown - Evening Wear is defined as floor length gown of any color, choose a color and fit that best fits your personality. Show off your confidence, grace, poise, posture and elegance. You will be sitting down in your gown for dinner and awards banquet Saturday night so keep this in mind when making your gown selection.

Qualities:

The IWAQ should have outstanding communication skills. She should be able to seamlessly interact with a 3 year old or a 93 year old, a President, Mayor, farmer in the fields, a celebrity, politician or a housewife.
She must exhibit an outstanding personality, to include patience, sympathy, consideration and moderation, maturity and a sense of humor. She must be adaptable and have the ability to cheerfully do her job in many different situations.
She must demonstrate a willingness to do as requested – whether helping prepare product for demos, carrying items such as luggage, or meeting dignitaries, consumers or media.
She must demonstrate a willingness to fit her schedule to tour demands and the Promotions Coordinator’s schedule, this includes being flexible and available at a moment’s notice. Promptness and neatness is always expected.
She must have good health and demonstrate stamina in order to eagerly anticipate and handle long hours, periods of prolonged standing and a variety of indoor and outdoor events.
She must demonstrate a willingness to learn about the product and deliver knowledge correctly to media as well as the general public.

Responsibilities: This is a job as a public relations ambassador for the Illiana Watermelon Association and as an industry representative with varying duties, for the term of the IWAQ’s reign. This job will provide some wonderful opportunities and experiences; however, the duties of this job must be taken seriously at all times, as it is an important responsibility.

The IWAQ responsibilities/duties shall include, but are not limited to:

Conventions, trade shows, in-store demos, promotions, parades, hospitals, fairs and others.

Meeting government officials, personalities, civic groups, media and most importantly – the general public and/or customers.
Experiences may include television, radio or press interviews
Appearance schedule may include travel throughout Illinois and Indiana, the United States and potentially internationally.
All sponsors and hosts are equally important and will be treated with respect and consideration. Thank you notes to be sent by IWAQ when applicable.
The IWAQ will limit cell phone usage (including excessive texting) during travel and avoid cell phone usage/texting completely during promotions.
No family or boyfriends will be allowed to accompany the IWAQ on tour.
Learn to be proficient in speaking about product information and the industry represented.
The IWAQ is expected to post on the IWA social media channels after every promotion. All content will be reviewed by the promotions coordinator before being posted.

Termination: The young lady that is chosen as Queen of the Illiana Watermelon Association shall serve for a period of one year or until a new Queen is selected. The Illiana Watermelon Association reserves the right to ask for resignation of the reining IWAQ upon the recommendation from IWA promotions coordinator and the IWA Executive Committee. In the event of a termination, no legal action shall be maintained against the Illiana Watermelon Association, the Illiana Watermelon Association Board of Directors, or any individual members thereof and the person so terminated shall only be entitled to such salary and other benefits earned and accrued at the date of termination. The IWAQ will return any Scholarship monies received.

I have read the Illiana Watermelon Association Guidelines and Responsibilities, and I, if chosen as the Illiana Watermelon Association Queen, agree to abide by all the guidelines, rules, regulations and responsibilities set forth by the Illiana Watermelon Association, its officers, the Illiana Watermelon Association Queen Committee, its Chairperson, and the Illiana Watermelon Association Queen Coordinator. I understand the judge’s decisions are final. I certify that I meet the criteria to compete in the Illiana Watermelon Association Queen Pageant.

Queen Contract