Miss Fall Fest crown quest begins today

The first round in the quest for a Fall Fest crown begins today, Aug. 1, when applications open, according to Liz Street, special events coordinator for the Jasper Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce.

Connie Green will be pageant director this year. The theme will be Marilyn Monroe's rendition of "Diamonds are a girl's best friend."

Rules and applications for royalty will be posted at www.jaspercoc.org or are available at the Chamber office at 246 E. Milam.

"This year there will be no boy category," said Street, who said they did not have enough participants in the past. There will be several age categories from infants to 18- years-old.

She said there will also be no sports, no bathing suit and no talent contest. The judges will base their decision on how the girls conduct themselves in their gowns and on a personal interview.

"We want Miss Fall Fest to be a well-rounded young woman, savvy, and a good citizen," Street said. "She should be a good student and a wholesome representation of our community throughout the year."

Several pre-event meetings will be held starting with orientation at the chamber office Aug. 27, a mother-daughter tea Sept. 15, rehearsals Sept. 28, and the judging, Sept. 29.

The reigning Miss Fall Fest, Mechelle Perdue, will crown the winner in a ceremony Sept. 29. All past Miss Fall Fests will have reserved seating at the pageant, according to Street.

The Chamber is also accepting applications for vendors for the 31st annual Fall Fest, always held the first Saturday in October.