It's the news supporters have been waiting for - the 2020 Manitoba Sunflower Queen Pageant is a go!

The status of the annual Altona tradition was left up in the air after COVID-19 restrictions forced the cancellation of this year's Manitoba Sunflower Festival (MSF) at the end of July.

Final details are still being worked out but one thing is for sure, the 2020 pageant will look different than it has in the past.

According to pageant committee member, Ann Friesen, the popular fashion show and contestant speeches will be held. Organizers continue to hammer out the specifics regarding how to share those events beyond limited indoor seating restrictions.

Behind the scenes, Friesen added the nine contestants will also put together a creative expression piece and host a supper with the judges as has been done in previous years - again in-line with provincial health rules.

"They are very excited. They know they are missing out on some things, but they are missing out on many things already so they are happy to be able to do this," said Friesen. "They say the fashion show is great because they get to be together and have some fun."

Meantime, Friesen said the contestants were able to squeeze in some volunteer work earlier in the year before health restrictions kicked-in. The group hosted a breakfast in February and helped serve at the MSF fundraising Mexican dinner.

While the annual Ladies Night Out fundraiser won't be a part of this year's pageant, Friesen noted plans are in the works to still offer the contestants and current royalty some kind of event.

The 2020 Manitoba Sunflower Queen pageant activities will unfold over the originally scheduled festival weekend of July 24-25.