In a town known for its traditions, one of the more popular events returnd this weekend.

The Fayette County High School Band Boosters will sponsor their annual benefit event the Miss Pride of Fayette County Pageant, on March 6 and 7 at F. A. Sams Auditorium in Fayetteville.

In 1969, the then named “Pride of Fayette County Marching Band” had an idea for a fund raiser. Why not have a pageant and call it “ Miss Pride of Fayette County?” The rest, as they say, is history. This year the Fayette County High School band boosters are are celebrating the 41st pageant. 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. New, this year is a division for 3 & 4 year old boys – Tiny Mister Pride.

For the first time in the history of the pageant, the Band Boosters are giving a scholarship to the high school winner. Approximately 100 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 their reign. Dr. Scott McPherson is donating the $1,000 scholarship, the “Scott McPherson Scholarship Award” to our Miss Pride for 2009, the high school winner. Additionally, the band boosters will present a small scholarship to the first alternate of the high school division.

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

Since rehearsals were cancelled on Monday, March 2 due to inclement weather, applications for all divisions will be accepted ar at rehearsals that are scheduled on March 3, 4 and 5. Rehearsals are scheduled each day beginning at 6:15 p.m. Please refer to the website, MissPrideofFayetteCounty.com for additional information regarding rehearsals.

For 2009, Gina McKinney and Gay Cera have volunteered as directors. Both McKinney and Cera have multiple years experience in pageantry, and this is their second year serving as directors. Back by popular demand, Keith Sharp, a talented singer and actor, will again act as the Master of Ceremonies for the fifth year in a row. Sharp will field questions to the contestants who are also judged on poise, personality, beauty and confidence. Sharp will also provide the pageant entertainment, singing for audiences. Winners from last year’s pageant will be back to perform the opening number as well as participate in a fashion show.

The directors of the pageant are encouraging the parents to keep the contestants to look age appropriate.

“We want the 3 year old girls to look like they are 3 years old or a 6 year old who has lost their front teeth to look like they are 6 years old,” said Cera. “We are looking for a natural look and strongly discourage make-up on the 3-4 year olds and on the girls in elementary school. Did you see a picture of our Tiny Miss Pride that won in 2008? She is adorable and looks exactly like a 4 year old little girl.”

The pageant is open to all girls who reside in Fayette County ages 3-4 and grades K-12, and boys 3-4. Contestant hopefuls must reside in Fayette County and be 3 years old by September 1, 2008. Applications were due by Feb. 21. However, late entries will be accepted for an additional fee through March 5. Applications are available at Fayette County Schools and are available for download at MissPrideofFayetteCounty.com.

The pageant is being held at Sam’s Auditorium in Fayetteville. Tickets are $6 for individual pageants or $12 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 6-8 grade. 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 for k-2nd grade; at 4:30 p.m. for Young Miss Pride 3-5th grade; and Miss Pride for 9th -12th grade will begin at 8 p.m..

Those interested in competing and have not submitted their application, may call either director, McKinney or Cera, to notify of their interest, and to bring their application form to their age group’s selected rehearsal time. Rehearsal dates and times may be found on the online application forms.

If you are interested in additional information, please contact the web site at MissPrideofFayetteCounty.com, or contact Gina McKinney at 770-842-3710 or Gay Cera at 404-402-6150.

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