The annual competition will be Saturday, April 30.
Abby Baker
Staff Intern
2015 Little Miss Plant City Queen Raylynn Thompson will be handing her crown to a new queen during the 48th annual Little Miss Plant City competition Saturday, April 30.
There will be 30 contestants competing to be part of the 2016 court. Members take part in local events, such as Relay for Life, Empty Bowls and the Florida Strawberry Festival.
The Plant City Junior Woman’s club has hosted the competition for its almost 50-year run, and club treasurer, Racquel Sturgis is confident that the cause has remained intact.
“It’s been a staple fundraiser for the club for a long time,” Sturgis said. “It’s not a beauty pageant, it’s a long-standing tradition.”
The fundraiser, averaging $5,000 a year, was created to buy socks and tennis shoes for underprivileged elementary school students.
While the club donates shoes to 14 area schools, one school is randomly selected every year to get special attention. This year it was Walden Lake Elementary School.
“We get very connected to one school a year,” Sturgis said. “It’s a hands-on project.”
The club spends an average of $15,000 buying shoes and socks for children in need.
The fundraiser takes its contestants seriously. The girls are judged on four factors: an interview, stage presence, speaking and grooming.
The first step to becoming a Little Miss Plant City Queen is mastering the interview. Girls are asked one question in front of five judges.
On stage — and in front of hundreds of eyes — the girls have to make sure their 30-second speech and stage presence is presentable and crafty.
“Once again, this isn’t really a beauty pageant,” Sturgis said. “No spray tan, no fluffy hair. We keep it age appropriate.”
Sturgis is looking for former Little Miss Plant City queen to attend the event. Contact her at (813) 928–0211 to be added to the special guest list.
Previous winners are invited to be present.
