Over 100 young girls gathered in the Expo Hall Wednesday evening to see if they would be drawn for the 2018 Junior Royalty Pageant. A total of 110 girls were drawn to participate and girls age 5 to 15 years old were eligible to participate.
Those drawn will compete for Queen, Princess, Duchess and Baroness. There is a limit for 30 contestants in each age group. After being drawn, the girls will participate in a pageant workshop and a competition rehearsal prior to final show. Contestants will be judged on personality, overall appearance and natural beauty and smile.
The official pageant will be Jan. 13 at the Grimes Agricultural Show Center at 6 p.m. In addition to a crown, each winner will receive a sash and trophy and the top winner will represent the Festival in her age group at the Florida Strawberry Festival Fashion Show on Jan. 26, the Youth Parade on March 3 and the Grand Parade on March 5.