HAMPTON -- Leah Grondin said, as a child, she used to watch the Miss Hampton Beach pageants with her family each year and dreamed about one day being a contestant herself.

On Sunday, not only did her dream come true, she also took home the crown. Twenty contestants were narrowed to five, and then to Grondin, at the 61st Miss Hampton Beach Pageant.

"I'm so excited," the 17-year-old Hampton native said. "I really haven't gotten a hold of it yet. I'm in the zone right now, but I can't wait to start my reign. I love everything about Hampton Beach."

Grondin, who is a junior at St. Thomas Aquinas in Dover, said the most nerve-racking part of the pageant wasn't the bathing suit or evening gown competitions.

It also wasn't the unscripted interview where she was asked, "How would you get guys to join a Mr. Hampton Beach Pageant?" Her answer was to have cash prizes and let them compete with all the girls.

"The most nervous part came when there was only two of us left," Grondin said. "I felt that either of us could have won. I just feel very lucky right now."

While Grondin was just beginning her reign, last year's winner, Allison Blais of Pittsfield, said her goodbyes.

"Miss Hampton Beach wasn't just another title, it was an honor and a privilege," Blais said, holding back tears. "I met so many interesting people, and I have made lifelong friends."

Stephanie Lussier, pageant organizer and former Miss Hampton Beach, said Grondin has a lot to live up to because Blais was an outstanding Miss Hampton Beach. Not only did she attend all the events, she also raised $2,000 for Special Olympics at this year's Penguin Plunge.

"My sister and I went around raising money by stating that I would jump in if I raised enough," Blais said. "We raised $1,600 in 10 minutes, and I got into a little red bikini and jumped into the ocean."

This year's pageant featured contestants from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and even the Ukraine.

The other four finalists for the title in this year's pageant were Micaela Flynn, Katie Owens, Cyndal Todd and Brittany Dube.

Grondin and Dube received the highest scores during the interview, while Owens won the swimsuit competition. Special honors went to Owens and Allison LaCroix for Miss Congeniality.

Members of Dance Vision Network performed three dances during the pageant, including one clogging to "Rich Girl" by Gwen Stefani.