Late registration open for Stars and Stripes Pageant
Today is the deadline to enter the Jennings Stars and Stripes Pageant that will be held Sunday, June 24, at the Friends Supporting Friends Event Center in Jennings, but contestants may enter by paying a late fee of $10 along with the $50 entry fee.
Attire for the pageant is red, white and blue for contestants 11 and younger and formal attire for those 12 and older. The winners of the pageant will be introduced onstage at the Jennings Stars and Stripes Celebration.
The awards to be given at the pageant are queen, princess, duchess, and first and second alternate. There are also awards for fashion, beauty, personality, smiles and most photogenic.
Pageant director Debbie Sittig said judges for this pageant look for different things in the different age categories.
“The younger ones wear patriotic red, white and blue that goes with Fourth of July and is more festive while the older girls wear more general formal wear,” she said. “For the younger contestants, it’s more about style and personalities but with the older contestants it’s more about being disciplined and poised.”
Sittig said this pageant is a wonderful time for all involved.
“The contestants get to make new friendships, so it’s similar to a sport in the way that they are making new friends in pageants like these but also getting to compete,” she said. “For attendees, it’s just another fun way to celebrate the Fourth of July.”
Sittig said this pageant would be beneficial to Jeff Davis Parish, specifically Jennings.
“The older winners have the opportunity to represent a title and promote it. If they promote the title, they promote the businesses and attractions of the city,” she said. “It is also helpful to the community before the pageant because anyone can enter it. Say, for example, a contestant from Lake Charles enters the contest and tells her friends and family about it and they come. They’re bringing outsiders into the community and helping to improve our towns tourism.”
Contestants must mail their entry fee to D&D Productions at P.O. Box 662 in Iota, LA 70543 or PayPal debb2442aol.com. Admission for attendees is $5. For more information, contact Debbie Sittig at (337) 305-0758.