The clock is ticking and 12 girls from across the county are anxiously counting down the minutes before taking the stage Saturday night for a chance at donning the crown of Miss Sonoma County.

“Over 30 girls tried out in November,” said program chair Loren Soukup. “And that’s really when we kick-off everything and begin preparations.”

Of those 30, Rancho grad Jennifer Mastin and SSU students Lizbeth Malmstead and Alison Levie will be representing the competition’s host city.

This is Soukup’s first year as organizer, taking the reins from Reba Roberts, who’s organized the event every year for the last 30-plus years. Roberts is still involved but due to health issues is unable to take on such a big task as chair. Instead, she is working closely behind the scenes assisting Soukup and working with the girls in rehearsals and the interview process.

“It’s the longest running pageant in California,” said Soukup. And she’s right. The Miss Sonoma County pageant is now in its 63rd year. Though this may be Soukup’s first year as chair, she’s no stranger to the pageant. “I competed back in ‘99 as a senior in high school. I didn’t win, but it was a great experience because after I graduated high school, I went down south to college and became Miss San Luis Obispo.”

Working behind the scenes is quite different from being in the spotlight, says Soukup. “You definitely get to see all the hard work that goes into it - as a contestant, you really don’t have any idea.” But she doesn’t discount all the work it takes to be a contestant as well. Each contestant receives vocal coaching, talent coaching and every Sunday, they all rehearse for the big day, practicing and preparing for their interviews. Said Soukup, “They really put so much time and energy in preparing these girls.”

Miss Sonoma County contestants are judged by a panel of six judges in talent, swimsuit, eveningwear, one-on-one interview and answering an on-stage question. Four judges are certified Miss California judges and directors of other California programs and every year, the contest enlists two celebrity judges. This year’s celebrity judges are controller for  Christopherson Homes Katy Dillwood and Sebastopol City Council member Kathleen Shaffer.

To enter the pageant, contestants are asked to make a $100 donation to the Children’s Miracle Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals. “Most of the girls get donations or sponsors for this,” Soukup said. In return, every contestant receives free tanning, exercise training and dental treatment.

The winner of Miss Sonoma receives $1,200, an official Miss America crown and pin, and an all-expense paid trip to Fresno to compete in the Miss California pageant in July.

Just like past events, this year’s reigning Miss Sonoma County will hand off her crown to the new lucky lady. Miss Sonoma County Kimberly Stout is also slated to perform a monologue production. “It’s very exciting,” said Soukup.

The pageant is open to the public. The pageant starts Saturday night at 7:30 and tickets are $15. Call Spreckels box office for advanced tickets or more information at 588-3400.