Newfoundland Labrador Rose of Tralee 2018
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Bridgette Abbott, 27, will be representing Newfoundland and Labrador at this summer\\u2019s International Rose of Tralee Festival. The annual festival celebrates both Irish culture and the accomplishments of young women with Irish heritage around the globe.As custodian for the province this year, Abbott is hoping to bring along the spirit of small town Newfoundland and put it on full display.\\u201cI grew up in a small outport community where everyone leans on everyone\\u2019s shoulder, just like if look back to when the Irish settlers came here and had to work together to survive,\\u201d Abbott said. \\u201cI hope to leave a happy and lasting impression. Our culture is rich, we love our music, we love to have fun, we\\u2019re very warm and giving.\\u201cI hope I can reflect that during my presentation and through my onstage presence.\\u201dThe festival, which runs from Aug. 17-21, includes a tour around Ireland to visit various pubs, businesses and historic sights. Abbott is one of 32 women coming from abroad back to the country of her ancestry.Abbott auditioned for the festival with several other young Newfoundland women. Using skills acquired through her small business \\u201cPretty Ugly\\u201d, Abbott played a homemade ugly stick along to some traditional Newfoundland folk music as part of her audition.Being formerly crowned Miss Newfoundland and Labrador in 2014 was also a helpful experience in helping Abbott display her talents.When she finally got the news that she had been selected, Abbott says she was estatic.\\u201cI was so overwhelmed,\\u201d she said. \\u201cEvery one of us would have been a fantastic selection, it was such a great group of girls.
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