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By JENNIFER LEARN; Times Leader Staff Writer
Sunday, April 18, 1993     Page: 3A QUICK WORDS: TALENT, POISE AND FUN –
MR. AND MISS FUNFEST

HAZLETON — “Miss FUNFEST ’93” wannabe Julianna Panckeri gracefully
clutched the sequin train of her ruby red gown and pranced across the stage in
a small-scale Miss America-style pageant Saturday morning.
   
“Julianna likes reading and watching Broadway musicals on videotape,” said
the soft-spoken announcer as Panckeri glided by to the tune of an easy
listening music tape.
    “You have to remember to keep smiling, walking slowly and not tripping. And
you have to remember to keep eye contact with the judges,” said Panckeri, 8,
of Hazleton.
   
She bears the heat of competition “because it’s fun” and she wants to
capture the crown, banner, trophy, $50 savings bond and other perks that come
with the “Miss FUNFEST” title.
   
Panckeri and more than 450 other boys and girls, ages 4 to 18, from
Northeastern Pennsylvania modeled and then either sang, danced or played an
instrument during the fifth annual “FUNFEST Performing Arts Competition” this
weekend at Bishop Hafey High School.
   
“The program is a chance for kids in the area to showcase their talent
before professional judges, to see what others are doing and to get
constructive criticism,” said FUNFEST coordinator Judiann Paisley.
   
Proceeds from the talent competition will be used to improve the huge
outdoor 15th annual FUNFEST weekend Sept. 11 and 12, Paisley said.
   
Last year the talent competition netted about $3,000, although proceeds
should increase this year because twice as many children entered, she said.
   
“This money mainly allows us to increase our entertainment budget. We can
pay for more bands in the parade, which will increase the quality of the
parade, and hire more professional entertainment — bands people normally
would pay money to see but can see for free during FUNFEST weekend,” she said.
   
The event of music, dancing, food, games and fireworks is more than fun,
Paisley said.
   
“FUNFEST has become the major social event in the Hazleton area. I call it
the area’s homecoming. It lifts spirit in the area and has become a real
economic boon by bringing in a lot of visitors and vendors,” Paisley said.
   
“Mr. and Miss FUNFEST,” who will serve as good will ambassadors for all
FUNFEST events, will be announced during the awards ceremony at 7:30 p.m.
tonight.
   
Local residents can catch duo, trio and group dance competitions from noon
to 7 p.m. today. Tickets are $3 and available at the door.