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Step By Step What To Expect Competition Flow

Pageant Journey

Everything families need to know before competition day, from registration and contestant packets to check-in, orientation, on-stage introductions, judging, and final crowning.

5-step process Family-friendly format Questions answered clearly
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2025 Miss Blueberry Title Holders
The Journey

Pageant Journeyfrom sign-up to crown

Here’s the day from arrival to crowning, in order. Each step shows what happens, what to expect, and how to be ready when your contestant’s name is called.

1

Before the Pageant: Register Online

Early entry deadline: July 18, 2026

Complete the official pageant application and submit your entry fee ($65 before July 18, 2026 or $85 after). Fill out the application with name, age, contact info, and a short bio. Upload a clear head-and-shoulders photo and submit payment. Contestants under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign consent. You will receive a confirmation email within 48 hours.

Next: After Registration: Receive Your Packet
2

After Registration: Receive Your Packet

Sent in early August

After registration closes, each contestant receives a digital packet with everything needed for pageant day. This includes your schedule, check-in time, category order, stage layout, attire guidance, introduction tips, and contact information for the coordinator.

Next: Competition Day: Check In & Orientation
3

Competition Day: Check In & Orientation

Heartland Church · Lexington, OH

Arrive at Heartland Church and check in at least 30 minutes before your division start time. Bring your confirmation email and ID. Younger contestants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Orientation begins 30 minutes before competition start and covers stage flow, order, and judging format.

Next: On Stage: Your Introduction
4

On Stage: Your Introduction

Divisions begin at 9:00 AM and run throughout the day

Each contestant takes the stage for an introduction including name, age, and hometown. Contestants walk the stage and speak briefly. Each division runs at scheduled times throughout the day (starting at 9:00 AM). Judging is based on Poise & Presentation (34%), Personality (33%), and Community Spirit (33%).

Next: The Moment: Awards & Crowning
5

The Moment: Awards & Crowning

Festival Brightspeed Stage crowning: August 20, 2026

After all divisions compete, winners are announced and crowned. Category winners receive a crown, sash, and $100.00 cash prize, and all contestants receive a medal. Runner-ups receive ribbons and certificates, and every contestant receives a participation ribbon and professional photo. Title holders are then publicly introduced and crowned on the festival Brightspeed Stage on August 20, 2026, and represent the festival throughout the year with complimentary admission to next year’s festival.

Common Questions

Common Questionseverything families ask before applying

Clear answers to the most common questions so you can move forward with confidence.

First-Time Friendly
No pageant experience required
Admission
$3 per person · $10 per family
Attire
Sunday or summer dress only
Crown & Sash
Official title holder recognition with crown and sash.
Brightspeed Stage Crowning
Recognized in front of the full festival crowd.
Parade Participation
Take part in one of the festival’s biggest traditions.
Photos & Recognition
Professional photos and public visibility.
Year-Long Representation
Represent the festival at events and appearances.
Do I need pageant experience to enter?+
Not at all. The Miss Blueberry Pageant is a community celebration, not a competitive circuit pageant. We welcome first-timers at every age. The goal is to have fun, meet your community, and be yourself on stage.
What should I wear on competition day?+
Contestants must wear a Sunday dress or summer dress. Party dresses are not allowed (20-point deduction). Attire should be appropriate for a family-friendly outdoor festival environment. Many contestants wear a Sunday-best dress or nice casual outfit, but the choice is entirely up to you and your family.
What happens during the on-stage introduction?+
You’ll be introduced by name, age, and hometown, then walk across the stage and say a few words to the judges and audience. There is no talent segment, no swimwear competition, and no interview room, just a brief, friendly on-stage moment in front of a supportive crowd.
Are entry fees refundable?+
Entry fees are non-refundable once submitted. If you have a conflict or emergency, please contact the pageant coordinator as early as possible.
Can parents or family members come watch?+
Absolutely. Admission is $3 per person or $10 per family. Families are encouraged to attend and cheer on their contestant. Designated family seating will be available near the stage.
How is my age category determined?+
Age is determined as of competition day, Saturday, August 8, 2026. When you fill out the application, you’ll select the category that matches your age on that date. Each contestant may only enter one category.
What do title holders receive after winning?+
Each category winner receives a crown, sash, and $100.00 cash prize at the ceremony. All contestants also receive a medal. Title holders are invited to represent the festival at community events throughout the year and receive complimentary admission to the following year’s festival.
Who can participate in the pageant?+
The Miss Blueberry Pageant is open to contestants across Ohio. Each division has age requirements, and participation is limited per group.
How are contestants judged?+
A panel of judges evaluates contestants based on appearance, personality, confidence, and overall presentation. Ages 1–2 are judged 50% appearance and 50% personality, while ages 3–16 are judged evenly across appearance, personality, and questions.
Do contestants participate in the festival?+
Yes. Winners are featured throughout the Lexington Blueberry Festival and participate in events such as the parade and official crowning ceremony.
Is there a registration fee?+
Yes. Entry fees are $65 before July 18, 2026 and $85 after. All fees are non-refundable once submitted. Spots are limited, so early entry is recommended.
What should contestants expect on pageant day?+
Families can expect a structured event including scheduled division times, check-in, staging, introductions, judging by five independent judges, and awards. The environment is designed to be positive, encouraging, and family-friendly.