Heartland Pageants planned in Dexter

The new Miss Heartland for 2008 will be crowned in pageants scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 31 in Dexter. The 2007 Miss Heartland is Taylor Dewitt,(center),of Essex. First alternate is Megan Hall,(right) of Portageville. Second alternate is Hannah Keathley,(left). The Miss Heartland Pageants are sponsored annually by the Dexter High School Vocal Music Department. [Click to enlarge]

DEXTER, Mo. - Young girls and ladies from throughout the region are invited to participate in the annual Miss Heartland Pageants, to be held in Dexter on Sunday, Aug. 31.

Categories are available to girls and young ladies from birth through 19 years of age. The pageants are sponsored annually by the DHS Vocal Music Department.

Pageants scheduled and their age divisions include:

* Baby Miss at 1:30 p.m., birth through 17 months

* Tiny Miss at 2 p.m., 18-35 months

* Wee Miss at 2:30 p.m., 3-5 years

* Petite Miss at 3 p.m., 6-8 years

* Pre-Teen Miss at 3:30 p.m., 9-11 years

* Jr. Miss Heartland at 4 p.m.. 12-14 years

* Miss Heartland at 4:30 p.m., 15-19 years

The contest times are approximate and may run ahead or behind according to number of contestants, so participants should be dressed and ready to go at least 30 minutes prior to posted times.

Pageant wear is required for all contestants. The queen in each division will receive a crown, sash and trophy; alternates will receive a sash and trophy. This year, as in years past, the new Miss Heartland will also receive a $100 cash award.

Pageants will be held at the Dexter High School Auditorium, 1101 Grant Street in Dexter. There is no rehearsal and the decision of the judges is final. An entry fee of $25 is required for each contestant.

Entries forms are available at the Bunny Patch in Downtown Dexter or by contacting the pageant director at via e-mail at mboone@dexter.k12.mo.us or call 573-624-2821. Complete entries should be mailed to: Mrs. MaryRuth Boone, 15156 Orchard Lake Drive, Dexter, MO 63841. The contest deadline is Wednesday, Aug. 27.