It’s a win win situation when the Fayette County High School Band Boosters sponsor their annual benefit event, the Miss Pride of Fayette County Pageant. This is the 37th year that the pageant has been held to raise money for the FCHS Band which, in turn, gives young women from age of 3 to seniors in high school a chance to reign supreme in 2005.
Over 150 contestants are expected to enter the pageant this year, making it one of the largest contest of its kind in the state. Contestants compete for a crown and prizes, including a savings bond and gifts donated by local merchants. The winner will participate in several parades and some public apperances during her reign. Previous winners of the Miss Pride of Fayette County pageant have gone on to be crowned Miss Teen Georgia and even Miss Georgia.
Pageant director Sandy Mandell returns for her second year. Mandell has helped her daughters compete in pageants in the past taking several state titles along the way. She can be reached at misspride2005@earthlink.net.
The pageant is open to all girls who reside in Fayette County ages 3-4 and grades K-12. Possible contestants must reside in Fayette County and be 3 years old by November 1. The cost to enter is $40. Applications are available each year at Fayette County High School.
This year’s emcee, Daryl Cohen, will field questions to the young contestants who are also judged on poise, personailty, beauty and confidence. The contestants model evening wear, while the younger girls model Easter dresses. A question is submitted by each of the Jr. and Miss Pride contestants and chosen at random for each girl to answer.
Judges from all over the state participate. The reigning 2004 Miss Jr. Pride is scheduled to perform Friday evening and the reigning 2004 Miss Pride is scheduled to perform Saturday night.
The Miss Pride pageant is usually held the 1st weekend in March. This year’s theme is a salute to America.
Over $12,000 was raised last year. Each top ten finalist will receive a portion of her beauty fees paid to participate in the Georgia Beauty Pageant State Finals which will be held later in the year.
The pageant is being held at Sam’s Auditorium. Tickets are $6 or $10 for both nights and are available at the door.
On Friday evening, the Jr. Miss Pride pageant begins at 8 p.m. Saturday’s event begins at 10:30 a.m. with Miss Tiny Pride, 3- 4 years; 1:30 p.m., Miss Little Pride, K - 2nd grade; 4:30 p.m., Miss Young Pride, 3rd - 5th grade; and Miss Pride, 9th - 12th grade.
