by Angela Jones, editor
The Camden Chronicle
On Saturday, March 18, many hopeful girls in lovely gowns will compete for crowns in the eight age divisions of the 16th Annual Old Time Bluegrass and Fiddlers’ Jamboree Beauty Pageant. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., and contests will begin at 11 a.m. at Holladay School, located at 148 Stokes Road in Holladay.
“We are very excited about our pageant this Saturday, our 16th year to hold the pageant at Holladay School,” said Traci Eason, pageant coordinator. “We look forward to seeing all of the beautiful contestants this weekend!”
The Old Time Bluegrass and Fiddlers’ Jamboree Pageant is a Strawberry Festival territorial pageant for age groups 6-21 years, meaning winners may compete in the Strawberry Festival Pageant that is held in Humboldt in May.
Crowns will be awarded to a queen in each age group, with the queen in the oldest group to be named “Miss Bluegrass 2023.” Trophies will be awarded to two maids and a queen in each age group. Certificates will be awarded to age-group winners in the side categories of prettiest hair, smile, and eyes.
Pageant contestants will pay a fee of $30 to participate, which includes participation in all side categories. Age divisions for contestants are birth-12 months, 13-23 months, 2-3 years, 4-5 years, 6-9 years, 10-12 years, 13-15 years, and 16-21 years. Winners from 2022 may not compete unless moving up to the next age group, although they are invited to crown this year’s winners.
“Holladay School is proud to host this pageant,” said Stephen Stokes, a teacher at Holladay School and a PTH board member. “It’s a great opportunity for girls to advance to the Strawberry Festival Pageant and for folks to visit and fellowship in Benton County. We hope to see everyone there!”
The cost to attend the pageant for non-participants is $5 per person. Concessions will be available onsite for purchase with cash only.
The Old Time Bluegrass and Fiddlers’ Jamboree Pageant takes place a month before the 65th Annual Old Time Bluegrass and Fiddlers’ Jamboree. This year’s jamboree will take place at Holladay School on Friday and Saturday, April 14-15.
For more information about the pageant this Saturday, call Holladay School at 731-584-6874 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., visit www.HolladayBluegrass.com, or text Eason at 731-549-0815.
