Nearly 50 Kids Participate in Little Miss, Little Mister Pageant

Wednesday night's Little Miss, Little Mister competition at the St. Charles County Fair brought out 49 contestants, a record for the pageant, said organizer Annie Schulte.

"I think we had some no-shows because of the heat, but I'm very pleased with the turnout. It was amazing that many kids came out," she said.

Judge Shanna Palans agreed. "They don't care how hot it is," she said. "They just have fun."

There is no entry fee for the event, which judges children as "kids next door," and considers poise, personality and appropriate dress. Hairpieces, make-up and glitter are not allowed. The age groups are:

• 25 months to 3 years - Teeny Mister and Miss St. Charles County
• 4 and 5 year olds - Tiny Mister and Miss St. Charles County
• 6 and 7 year olds – Little Mister and Miss St. Charles County

Contestants appeared first in their "Sunday best," and then in a second round with a themed costume. Since two sets of forms went out by mistake, the themes were "Summer Fun" and "Down on the Farm."

During a break in the pageant, Schulte asked for more volunteers for next year's show, and asked about interest in a division for older girls. There seems to be no question that the pageant will be back.

"Definitely," Shulte said. "It's a big draw."