School-aged women who live or work in the Cicero region have until early next week to submit applications for the chance to be this year’s Houby queen.

Although the 40th annual Houby Festival doesn’t begin until Oct. 3, applications must be turned in by Sept. 2, since the original date of Sept. 1, is Labor Day.

“Every young lady is welcome,” Mary Esther Hernandez, executive director of the Cicero Chamber of Commerce & Industry, sad Thursday afternoon. “We used to charge in the last two years, but there is no registration fee.”

Applicants must be single women ages 16 to 21 without children, and who currently are enrolled in school. The women must live or work in Cicero, Berwyn, Lyons, Riverside, North Riverside, Oak Park, Stickney or Brookfield. Chamber leaders hope to attract more application this year, which is why they eliminated the fee. Last year, 10 applications were returned for Houby queen. 

A scholarship is provided to the winner and runner-up. To date, $1,000 is pledged for the winner, and about $500 for the runner-up, Hernandez added.

“It’s not a beauty contest. Some girls are afraid of that,” she said. “It’s about empowering a young lady. It’s about merits, not about beauty.”

Applications are available online at www.cicerochamber.org or  ww.myspace.com/houbyfestival. Completed applications must be turned in to the chamber at 5801 W. Cermak Road, Cicero. For further information, contact the chamber at (708) 863-6000.

Hernandez said chamber members also seek past Houby queens to attend the festival, and want a former Houby queen to serve as the parade’s grand marshal.