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The Basics: How to Find Great Pageants

by Shauna Smith Duty

With you’re child’s tiny hand in yours, you’re ready to take the leap into pageantry. This could be the experience of a lifetime for both of you. However, you want the experience to be positive, so finding the right pageants is an essential first step. What makes a pageant a good choice? Pageants are comprised of many factors, so there’s a lot to consider.

First of all, what is your goal? Maybe you’re joining the pageant scene for fun, or for college money, or for the socialization. Maybe pageantry is a tradition in your family; your child is a third-generation pageant contestant. Whatever the reason, keep it in mind when reviewing pageants. Make sure the contests you choose are right for you and your child.

Where to find pageants
Online: You can use the Internet to search for local pageants. Simply type the words “pageant AND” then the name of your city into Google or the search engine of your choice.

edia: Newspapers and some parenting publications announce pageants.

Networking: If you’re a social butterfly anyway, check out playgroups, mom clubs, and talk with other parents you meet at children’s events. Often, by attending a pageant and questioning parents, you’ll find out about other local pageants. Malls sometimes host pageants, too. Call the mall business office to find out.

What to look for
Always consider the date, time, and location of a pageant prior to signing up. Make sure your family’s schedule can accommodate not only the time required for the event, but also the preparation time. You’ll have to shop, practice, and have appointments with a hair stylist and manicurist.

Money is also a serious factor. Can your family’s budget afford the entry fee, wardrobe, possible time away from work, and other expenses? Children can spend quality time with you in other, less expensive hobbies if pageantry could strain your budget. Remember, it’s supposed to be fun. If Mom and Dad are stressed out about the finances, where’s the fun?

Your and your child’s goals must be in line with the pageant’s structure. Know the prizes up for grabs, and determine if they are a factor of influence for you. If you are only in pageantry for the fun, prizes may not interest you at all. However, if you would like your child to potentially earn scholarship money or win entry fees for another pageant, the prizes should be considered.

Again, networking is important. Ask parents about pageant judges, prizes, histories, and reputations. Weigh all the factors before signing on. Most importantly, if your immediate family has two parents, be sure to discuss with your spouse everything you’ve learned prior to making a decision. Pageantry can be great fun for everyone if the whole crew is on board.

Do your homework
Rebecca Lowry, pageant mother and grandmother, warns against pageants that advertise as “One Time” pageants. She also suggests contacting the Better Business Bureau before signing on with a pageant you know nothing about. Also read “The Basics: How to Spot a Pageant Scam” for tips on choosing the best pageants.

5 Comments

CAV_Mod	Mon, Jul 17, 2006 6:36pm What advice do you have for someone looking to enter their first pageant?
lippy252	Wed, Apr 02, 2008 1:37am in the uk there is any peagents
klanern	Fri, Jun 29, 2007 8:33pm What is the best way to find modeling for infants?
Babyboodaluv	Sun, Jan 14, 2007 8:05pm I want to find pageants in my area Northern cali Or Medford Oregon area...where would i look?
pdawson8903	Sat, Sep 23, 2006 8:21pm Be prepared for rejection. That's the best advice I can give. If you enter each pageant thinking you are going to win, you will be disappointed more than if you just enter to have fun and see your child do a good job. That's what we always say before we compete at a pageant, we just want to see him smile and do a good job. It makes it so much more fun if you are just having fun and then win than if you were out to win it all, all the time.

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