Standard presents Bicentennial Pageants

Warren countians are celebrating the 200th birthday of our county with a flurry of activities scheduled throughout the year.

The Southern Standard is presenting a slate of official Warren County Bicentennial Beauty Pageants on March 29. Activities are planned to include all ages in an extravangaza to be held at Three Star Mall beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing until all age groups are presented.

‘As the community’s news source since 1879, the Standard feels privileged to participate in this historic celebration. We’re looking forward to our role in organizing the search for the official Bicentennial royalty,’ stated publisher Patricia Zechman.

In an effort to include everyone, beauty pageants will be held for females from 4 years to 22 years of age, and an essay contest to decide the title of Senior Ms. and Mr. Bicentennial.

Babies have not been forgotten either, with them competing in the Beautiful Bicentennial Baby Photo Contest, where photos are submitted for judging. Enter your beautiful baby, both boys and girls, age birth to 4 years old, in the photo contest.

Photos will be judged on cuteness, with a boy and girl winner declared in birth-6 months; 6-12 months; 12-18 months; l8-24 months; 24-30 months; 30-36 months; 36-42 months; and 42-48 months. All photos will be published in Bicentennial tabloid, with winners recognized at the March 29 event.

Bicentennial Beauty Pageants

Beauty contestants will be presented in various pageants starting at 11 a.m. and progressing throughout the day. A tentative time schedule for the pageants will be published at a later date. Applications are available at the Southern Standard office, with a $20 entry fee required. All applications and a photo of the contestant must be submitted by March 7. Photos of all contestants will be printed in the Bicentennial publication.

Age categories include:

‘ Little Miss Bicentennial contestants must be 4-6 years of age by March 29.

‘ Junior Princess Bicentennial contestants must be 7-10 years of age by March 29.

‘ Princess Bicentennial contestants must be 11-13 years of age by March 29.

‘ Junior Miss Bicentennial contestants must be 14-16 years of age by March 29.

‘ Miss Bicentennial contestants must be 17-22 years of age by March 29.

Contestants must be a Warren County resident, and winners are expected to participate in the Fourth of July Parade.

Senior Citizen Competition

Senior citizens over 50 years of age will have the opportunity to express themselves and share Warren County memories in an essay contest. Winners will be chosen from the submissions to decide the titles of Senior Ms. and Mr. Bicentennial.

Essays should be approximately 600 words, or 2 1/2 pages of double-space copy focusing on Warren County, and their memories of their home community. Winning essays and a photo of the author will also be featured in the newspaper.

The deadline to participate in all events is March 7, with applications available at the Standard office at 105 College St. Inquiries can be made by calling 473-2191.