Trembling with adrenaline and gasping in excitement, Maggie Stewart, 21, was crowned Miss Napa County 2006 on Saturday night.

"I can hardly breathe," exclaimed Stewart as she clutched her rose decorated scepter backstage after winning.

First runner up, and first-time competitor, Kayla Goldberg, 18, was equally thrilled.

"I'm overwhelmed, I'm excited," said the Napa High senior, holding flowers and a silver trophy platter.

Stewart will spend her reign representing the Miss Napa County and Miss America organizations, preparing to compete in Miss California this June and promoting her platform of eating disorder prevention and awareness.

The student said she plans to continue her education with a bachelor's degree in performing arts, in hopes of becoming an actress.

Mellifluous radio personality Ira C. Smith hosted the "Mission Impossible" themed evening. With showman style and flair, he introduced each contestant, admitting he was equally dazzled by their presence and poise.

Talent favorites included Kelly Snowden's nimble Irish step dancing routine, rousing folkloric dancing by Mayra Perez and an electrifying Tae Kwon Do performance set to music by Kayla Goldberg.

Throughout the night, the wildly appreciative crowd waved photo paddles, cried out contestant names and peppered their applause with shouts of "I love you!"

In a show of support, title holders from other counties attended, their own crowns sparkling and floating above the sea of well-wishers.

Dancers from Expressions dance studio enthusiastically entertained, performing several routines between sets at the Napa Valley Opera House.

A tense on-stage question and answer interview session left a buzz running through the crowd, but the mood soon lifted again with a stirring vocal performance by volunteer Kellie Fuller and the fast-paced bluegrass fiddling of Miss California 2005, Dustin-Leigh Konzelman.

In her farewell speech, Katelyn Bruce, Miss Napa County 2005, gracefully thanked her committee and public for "memories that will last a lifetime."

"It's bittersweet but I'm excited for the upcoming (Miss Napa County 2006)," said the poised young woman.

Bruce leaves Napa to attend UC Santa Cruz with a double major in business and fine arts.

And then came the moment they'd been longing for. Standing in a row of sparkling, shimmering evening gowns, several girls clutched hands.

Awaiting the final two winners, Goldberg's family quietly chanted, "Say four, say four, say fourS"

As Goldberg's contestant number was named first runner up, her family erupted into screams of delight.

Finally announcing Miss Napa County 2006, Smith called out, "Contestant number eight!" Stewart's family jumped to their feet, cheering and hugging in celebration.

"We're very proud of her," said dad, John Stewart.

"She loves this program. She's going to have a great year," he said.

"I'm delighted to have Maggie win and I'm looking forward to working with her to prepare for the Miss California pageant," said coach Kellie Fuller.

The local team wastes no time getting ready. Practice for the state competition begins Monday.