Miss Fountain Valley pageant on its way back

Here she is, Miss Fountain Valley.

The Miss Fountain Valley Scholarship Pageant, which had a false start two years ago, now has a new leader seeking to bring it back. If things go as planned — and according to those in charge, they are — the city will enjoy its first pageant in 21 years March 10.

Keeli Scott Lisack, an investor in Endless Food & Fun in Huntington Beach, took the helm of the project this year. With partners from the City Council, Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, she’s aiming to line up a maximum of 20 young women to compete for the crown. More than a dozen have already signed up.

“I have a personal interest in seeing that a Miss Fountain Valley is crowned, because I think it’s important for the city to have that representative to attend business functions and ribbon cuttings and all the important events around town,” said Lisack, the daughter of former Fountain Valley Mayor George Scott. “And of course, it’s someone to represent us at the Miss California pageant and Miss America pageant, if she wins.”

In 2009, businesswoman Amy Hart announced plans to revive the pageant and formed a support team that included Councilman Larry Crandall and former Huntington Beach Mayor Dave Garofalo.

However, the pageant was delayed and eventually abandoned, in part due to a lack of contestants and sponsors, according to Crandall.

Hart, who is not part of Lisack’s team, did not return calls seeking comment. Crandall and Garofalo are official committee members for the 2012 pageant.

Whoever takes the crown next year, Lisack will be able to identify with the winner: She was Miss Fountain Valley in 1977 and directed the pageant in 1991, the last year it was held. In addition, Stephanie Spoolstra, who won the pageant in 1990, is on board for 2012 as a contestant liaison.

Miss Fountain Valley is open to women ages 17 to 24 who live, work or go to school in Fountain Valley. The winner will receive a $10,000 cash scholarship and compete in the Miss California 2012 Pageant, with the winner of that pageant going on to compete for Miss America.

Already, the pageant has gotten at least one publicity boost: Seven of the contestants starred in a fashion show Saturday at the Orange County Chocolate Festival in Fountain Valley.

“They’re very, very enthusiastic and looking forward to it, so I’m sure the enthusiasm level is off the charts,” Crandall said. “It looks like it’s really going to go well this time.”

The deadline for contestants to register is Nov. 18. Prospective contestants or sponsors can call (714) 846-7533, visit https://www.missfv.com or email missfountainvalley@gmail.com for more information.

michael.miller@latimes.com

Twitter: @MichaelMillerHB