Disappointed with small pageant turnout
By CONNIE GREEN Jasper

This letter is to all chamber members and the Jasper community. We just completed the annual Miss Fall Fest pageant.

The girls were beautiful, but the attendance was disappointing. We can always count on family and friends supporting the contestants, but where are our leaders today that could be looking at future leaders tomorrow.

This contest was not a beauty pageant, but was a scholarship pageant and these winners will participate in community affairs during their reign.

The support needs to be there at all times. These are busy times and many decisions are made dailly, but supporting our young people should not have to be one of the hard ones.

I was privileged to be asked to be pageant director for Miss Fall Fest. I have worked and judged pageants, but never have I directed one. I know I made mistakes, but believe me, I learned from them.

We 'pageant committee' know what to do and what not to do next time. it is my sincere wish that during the course of the pageant and days prior to the pageant that I did not offend anyone, if I did please accept my apology.

As I told moms and daughters alike, this was their girls pageant, not mine or their moms. I do believe all had fun, and that was the main purpose.

I would like to thank three people big time for all their help and advice; Liz Street, Mary Ann McCoy and Amber Stroman. All at the chamber, if you have not met these outstanding women, that work for the benefit and betterment of Jasper, please go by.

It will be worth the time and trip. Again thank you for helping make Jasper a better place to live and raise our children and help put more sparkle in the Jewel of the Forest.