Barton County residents could see a familiar face, or even two, at the next Miss Kansas pageant. That’s because entries are being sought for two pageants that are a stepping stone to the Miss America competition, and both will be held March 9 at the Great Bend High School Auditorium.
The Miss Barton County and Miss Golden Belt Organization is seeking contestants to fulfill these titles, said pageant organizer Kristy Hogan. “Miss Barton County is a closed pageant and the title holder must be from Barton County, or currently reside here. Miss Golden Belt is an open title and can be from anywhere in the state of Kansas. Both title winners will receive a scholarship, both will be required to be present at various community events and activities and both will proceed to the Miss Kansas Pageant in April to represent our county and area.”
It’s been 20 years since Great Bend hosted such a pageant, and it’s time for a local star to shine again, sponsors said.
“So far we have nine young ladies that have started the preregistration process,” Hogan said. “We are hoping to have at least 15 to compete.” The deadline to register is Feb. 23.
To be a part of the pageant, a young woman must be 17 to 24 years of age. Enrollment starts on the pageant webpage, www.missamericaforkids.org, where would-be contestants create a profile and the paperwork will be sent to them.
“Each girl is required to raise $100 for the Children’s Miracle Network in order to be part of the Miss Kansas preliminary competition,” Hogan said. “We are very excited to showcase our beautiful and talented young women and help define their future by shining for the Barton County community.”
When the pageant was being organized last year, Hogan told The Great Bend Tribune, “We’re particularly motivated to bring this pageant here because we’d like to give two really good scholarships for local girls for school.”
Contestants will participate in four events: an interview, a swimsuit competition, an evening wear competition and a talent exhibition.  The qualities judges will be looking for in the winners are pleasant personality and speaking ability, fitness, poise and confidence, and personality.
There will be two winners selected.  One will be named Miss Barton County, and the other Miss Golden Belt.  Both winners will then be eligible to compete in the Miss Kansas pageant, and if successful there, on to the ultimate pageant, the Miss America contest.