Carly Knox, 15, is too old to compete in the Florida Strawberry Festival Junior Royalty Pageant this year, but the current queen will make one more appearance as she crowns her successor this weekend.
“It’s one of my favorite parts,” Knox said. “I know what it feels like to be where they are and how much you want to win.”
The competition has been held since the late 1970s and has moved venues — from the festival grounds to Tomlin Middle School to the TECO Expo Hall. This is the first year it will be held at the Evelyn and Batista Madonia Sr. Agricultural Show Center.
The competition features four age categories, with 30 competitors in each. The Baroness is open to 5- to 6-year-olds; Duchess, 7- to 9-year-olds; Princess, 10- to 12-year-olds; and Queen, 13- to 15-year-olds. The competitors are judged on personality (25%), overall appearance (25%) and natural beauty and smile (50%).
“It’s not your typical pageant,” chairwoman Donna Keel said. “It’s a community pageant on a glitzy scale. We do allow the girls to compete in other pageants.”
Knox has won the Baroness, Duchess and Queen titles and was first maid twice in the princess division. She attributes her wins to luck but does have some advice for this year’s competitors.
“Just have fun with it,” Knox said. “Don’t stress out.”
In addition to the crown, winners will receive a sash and trophy. The top winner will represent her age group in the Youth Parade March 2, the Grand Parade March 4, and the annual Florida Strawberry Festival Fashion Show Jan. 24.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
IF YOU GO
Florida Strawberry Festival Junior Royalty Pageant
WHEN: 6 p.m. Jan 12
WHERE: Evelyn and Batista Madonia Sr. Agricultural Show Center, 2301 W. Oak Ave.
COST: $10 per ticket
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Sign-ups for the 2013 Little Miss Plant City and Florida Strawberry Festival Baby Parade also are approaching.
Those interested in competing in the 2013 Little Miss Plant City pageant can sign up from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 26, at Hillsborough Title, 1605 S. Alexander St. For more information, email PlantCityJuniors@hotmail.com.
Those interested in the baby parade can sign up from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 26, at Plant City Mortgage, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 101. Chairwomen are Natasha Davis, Natasha@PlantCityMortgages.com, or Leslie Davis, Leslie_gogators@hotmail.com..” >http://fotograf-volgograd.ru/srochno-nuzhni-dengi-chto-delat.php