Miss Gravette entries open

— Registration for contestants in the “Miss Gravette 2011” pageant are now being accepted, according to Deree Mitchell, who will direct the pageant again this year. The event is held as part of the annual Gravette Days Celebration Aug. 11, 12 and 13.

Pageants are also announced for youth, ages 1 through 15, with groups competing for various titles, including Tiny Tot through age 15.

The Miss Gravette Pageant will be held Friday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m., in the GHS Performing Arts Center. There is no admission fee.

Mitchell outlined the pageant activities which will be hosted by Sayer Smith, Gravette Lions’ talented mascot, and Lauren Kara, the reigning Miss Gravette.

Activities for the other pageants will be held in Field Kindley Memorial Park on Saturday, Aug. 13. Miss Gravette 2011 will also be crowned on that day.

Smith and Kara will lead a parade of contestants on stage for an evening of entertainment by many young talented performers who will be part of this year’s production, “Chicks That Rock.” Dancers and singers will entertain by performing personally-selected songs of their favorite female artists such asJanet Jackson, Lady Gaga and Pat Benatar.

“The pageant will be a great night for outrageous costumes, great music, live entertainment and fun,” Mitchell declared. She reminds that admission is free in the air conditioned PAC. Contestants will compete in interviews, onstage questions, in casual wear and evening wear.

“Please come and support these local girls and local performers as well as your community,” Mitchell said. “Past Miss Gravette title holders are encouraged to be present as guests,” she added.

Crowning of Miss Gravette will be held in Kindley Park following the Gravette Day Parade.

Other Pageants

Pageants for the Tiny Tot and older youth will be held in Kindley Park following the parade. Age divisions are: 12-23 months, 2-3 years, 4-6 years, 7-9 years, 10-12 years and 13-15 years. Pageants for boys are for ages 1-3 and 4-6. Attire for these pageants is “dressy-casual.”

Each contestant will receive a small gift bag and trophy. “No one walks away empty-handed,” Mitchell said.

Pageant entry forms are available at Teasley Drug, by contacting Mitchell at 787-8165, by e-mail, Mitchellyahoo.com or on the Gravette Chamber of Commerce web site, gravettearkansas.com.

News, Pages 16 on 07/13/2011