The inaugural “Opal Miner of the Year” competition is now open to local Lightning Ridge opal miners.

The competition has been created to acknowledge the hard work of miners and ongoing commitment to mining in such tough times.

Any miner can be nominated or nominate themselves by phoning Angela Myers on 0407 455 413. Candidates will be published in the newspaper and on Facebook. All residents of Lightning Ridge will be invited to vote on the miner most worthy of the award. The winner will receive $500 cash at a presentation at the Opal Queen Ball on Saturday July 31.

Young ladies over the age of 18 should get ready to glam up for the 2010 Opal Queen competition.

Each year it gets better and better with more entrants, more sponsors, more prizes and more people in attendance to help celebrate the night.

Part of the prize pool this year includes trips to the Gold Coast and Canberra, a magnificent opal pendant courtesy of E Gregory Sherman Opals, stunning Flair Imports jewellery, vouchers, wine, skincare products and more.

Ladies interested in entering the competition can pick up entry forms from the Donut at the Lightning Ridge Bowling Club.

The theme of this year’s Opal Queen Ball is “Eighties Night” and there will be prizes awarded for best dressed.

The Opal Queen will be held on Saturday July 31 at the bowling club. Doors open at 7.15pm and the event will commence at 8.00pm (sharp). Tickets cost $25 per person and are payable at the door on the night. It is expected that a large number of tourists attending the Opal Festival activities will also attend the Opal Queen. There are still stalls available in the beer garden and outdoors for the Opal and Gem Expo. For stall bookings contact Angela on 0407 455 413. For bookings at the IOJDAA Tradeshow, contact Lyn on 6829 0203.