PAGEANT TO BE HELD JUNE 6

Last week Ruthie Tipton received a congratulations letter from Gov. Mel Carnahan sending his best wishes as she serves as a public relations ambassador for the state of Missouri. He expressed he understood how rewarding it is to travel the state and represent an area that is important to the tourism efforts of the state.

He said that tourism is a major industry in the state and that he appreciated her efforts to promote Missouri tourism attractions.

All proceeds from the Ozark Blueberry Pageant will go to the Ozark Camp Quality, a non-profit organization providing a camping experience and year round support for children with cancer and their families.

The age groups for the pageant are: Little Miss 6-9 years, Miss Pre-teen 10-13 years, Miss Teen 14-17 years and Miss 18-25 years. For an application call 573-238-2453.

The pageant will be held June 6 at Drury Inn and Suites in Jackson at 2 p.m.

Everyone can watch the 1998 Ozark Blueberry Queens ride through Jackson on the St. Louis Iron Mountain Railway train. All contestants are winners because their entrance fee go to Ozark Camp Quality which helps a child with cancer to be able to attend camp.

The pageant is open to anyone who is a Missouri resident.