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VOLCANO - Mountwood Park crowned a new queen Saturday after eight young women competed at the 2009 Miss Volcano Days Pageant.

Twenty-year-old Cassi Walters of Ellenboro became the 2009 Miss Volcano Queen and will begin her duties at the upcoming Volcano Days celebration at Mountwood Park.

"The pageant went really well," said marketing and event coordinator Mary Beth Held. "The judges said all the girls were very strong candidates."

Walters will have the opportunity to compete for the crown in the upcoming Miss West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals Pageant.

Held said she will be competing with more than 80 girls at the pageant in January.

During the three-day Volcano Days celebration Sept. 25-27, Walters will be announcing events, talking to visitors and running the Little Miss and Mister Pageant.

"I think she'll represent the park in a very positive way," said Held.

Eight contestants participated in the pageant Saturday and were judged on personal interviews, a street wear and evening gown competition and a question-and-answer session. A panel of judges also scored the contestants on a 30-second commercial they created to promote Volcano Days.

"The judges also looked for things like eye contact, connection with the crowd and poise," said Held.

As part of her prize package, Walters received an official sash, crown and a basket of gifts donated by local businesses.

First runner-up Megan Bordman, second runner-up Katie Wright, third runner-up Megan Dennison and fourth runner-up Morgan Leigh Smith also received sashes.

Walters is an elementary education student at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.