Girls between the ages of 1 and 21 will be vying for Benedum Festival pageant titles June 20 and 21 at the Benedum Civic Center. At the June 20 Children’s Pageant, queens in the following divisions will be crowned: Baby (age 1-2), Tiny (age 3-4), Little (age 4-6) and Miss (age 7-9). On June 21, titles for Pre-Teen (age 10-12), Teen (age 13-15) and Queen (age 16-21) will be up for grabs.
Organizers encourage area girls to take part in the pageant
“I just really think the pageant provides a sense of empowerment,” said Kristin Wilson, who this year assumes the role as pageant director. “The girls learn so much about public speaking, gain confidence and learn the importance of volunteering. It’s great for girls in our area and all over the state to be part of the Benedum Festival, which honors the late Michael Benedum.”
Last year, Wilson emceed the pageant as Miss West Virginia United States 2014. This year, she has taken the reigns from former Pageant Director Judi Giffen, who is mentoring her through the process.
Girls wishing to take part in any age divisions must register by May 15. Registration forms can be downloaded at the Benedum Festival Web site HERE.
The seven queens crowned will become royalty of the upcoming Benedum Festival, to be held July 10-11 at Bridgeport City Park. Wearing crowns and sashes, they will make various appearances at that festival and will have opportunity to appear at other area parades and events. Winner in the queen division will represent the festival at the West Virginia Association of Fairs & Festivals Pageant in Charleston.
Trophies will be awarded for first, runner-up and third place spots. All participants will receive goody bags, full of gifts and prizes as donated by local businesses.
Giffen said not only is participation in the pageant fun, but it's a confidence builder and introduces girls to potential new friends. Particularly for older contestants, the pageant is an ideal stepping stone to bigger events as girls learn what judges are looking for with regard to poise and personality, she said.
Several past queens, including the pageant’s first Preteen Queen Kaitlin Gates, have gone on to win notable titles. Gates was Miss West Virginia 2013, representing our state in the Miss America pageant in Las Vegas.
This year’s pageants will be emceed by Kirsten Kuniyoshi, the newly-crowned Miss Teen West Virginia United States.
Editor's Note: Pictured from top are Miss West Virginia United States 2014 Kristin Wilson, this year's pageant director and Miss West Virginia Teen United States 2015 Kirsten Kuniyoshi, emcee.
Read about last year's Benedum Festival pageant/winners HERE.
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