Annual event raises funds for school band

The Fayette County High School Band Boosters will sponsor their annual benefit event, the Miss Pride of Fayette County Pageant, on March 28 and 29 at F. A. Sams Auditorium in Fayetteville. This is the 40th year that the pageant has been held to raise money for the FCHS Band. The pageant gives young women from the age of 3 to seniors in high school the opportunity to prove why they are the pride of Fayette County.

Approximately 150 contestants are expected to participate in the pageant this year, making it one of the largest contests of its kind in the state. Contestants compete for a crown and prizes. The winner will participate in several parades and make other public appearances during her reign.

Previous winners of the Miss Pride of Fayette County pageant have gone on to win other titles such as Miss Teen Georgia and Miss Petite International.

Breaking tradition, the pageant is being held the last weekend in March, later than in years past. For 2008, Gina McKinney and Gay Cera have volunteered as directors. Both McKinney and Cera have multiple years experience in pageantry. Back by popular demand, Keith Sharp, a talented singer and actor, will again act as the Master of Ceremonies for the third year in a row. Sharp will field questions to the young contestants who are also judged on poise, personality, beauty and confidence. Sharp will also provide the pageant entertainment, singing for the audience. Winners from last year’s pageant will be back to perform the opening number as well as participate in a fashion show.

Since this is the 40th anniversary, the pageant committee is looking for former winners of the pageant. These individuals will be introduced at the pageant. Contact either McKinney or Cera if you are a former winner or know a former winner.

Approximately $11,000 was raised last year, and proceeds from this year’s event will help with the band’s expenses. The pageant hopes to raise between $11,000 and $12,000 from this year’s event.

The pageant is being held at Sam’s Auditorium in Fayetteville, and tickets are $6 for individual pageants or $10 for all five pageants. Tickets will be available at the door.

DVDs of each of the five pageants will be available for purchase. Organizers have hired a professional videographer to film the five events. Also, on hand will be a professional photographer to take pictures of the contestants.

On Friday evening, the Junior Miss Pride pageant begins at 8 p.m. for girls in grades 6-8. Saturday’s event begins at 10:30 a.m. with Tiny Miss Pride for 3-4 year olds. At 1:30 p.m., Little Miss Pride will get going for those in kindergarten through 2nd grade and at 4:30 p.m. the Young Miss Pride pageant will be held for those in 3-5th grades. The main event, the Miss Pride pageant for those in grades 9-12, will begin at 8 p.m.

If you are interested in additional information, either visit the website at www.MissPrideofFayetteCounty.com or contact Gina McKinney at 770-842-3710 or Gay Cera at 404-402-6150.

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