DEADLINE NEARING FOR ENTRY IN JACKSON PAGEANTS

JACKSON -- The deadline for contestants to enter the Little Miss Snowflake, Little Miss Snowball, Junior Miss Christmas, Miss Christmas, and Miss Jackson pageants is approaching, said Marybeth Williams of the Jacksonian chapter of the American Business Women of America, which sponsors the pageants.

"We have a number of contestants who have already entered, but there's still time for more entries," said Williams. "However, to be included in the printed program, contestants must pick up and return their entry form by Thursday; otherwise, the deadline to enter any of the pageants is Nov. 16."

Entry forms are available at several places, including Precious Memories, The Way Christian Book Store, Southeast Missouri Hospital's Outreach office, and the Jackson Chamber of Commerce office. They also may be obtained by calling Williams at 243-4676.

The age bracket for the Little Miss Snowflake pageant is 4-6; for the Little Miss Snowball pageant, 7-9; the Junior Miss Christmas pageant, 10-13; Miss Christmas pageant, 14-17; and the Miss Jackson pageant, 17-24.

The Little Miss Snowflake, Little Miss Snowball and Junior Miss Christmas pageants will be held Nov. 20, at 2 p.m., at the Jackson High School auditorium. The Miss Christmas and Miss Jackson pageants will begin at 7:30 that night in the auditorium.

Williams said the winner of the Miss Jackson pageant will go on to compete in the Miss Missouri pageant next summer.

She said: "This is the second year for the Miss Jackson pageant. It is the only Miss Missouri preliminary in the Cape Girardeau-Jackson area. The only other sites are in Sikeston and St. Louis. The winner of the Miss Missouri pageant will compete next September in the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City."

In addition, the winner of the Miss Jackson pageant will receive $1,300. Each of the four runner-ups will receive $100. The cash prizes were donated by area individuals and businesses. Gifts donated by area merchants and businesses also will be presented to the winner and runner-ups.

Williams said the winners of the other pageants will receive savings bonds and gifts donated by area merchants.