Young girls from across the area will have an opportunity to compete for crowns while supporting a charitable cause during the inaugural Miss Minden St. Jude Pageant on Saturday, June 13, at Minden High School.
The pageant, hosted by Harleigh Hart as part of her campaign for Miss Louisiana Teen Volunteer, will begin at 10 AM. Contestant check-in will start at 8 AM.
Open to girls ages 3-13, the pageant serves as a fundraiser benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and local St. Jude fundraising efforts. Organizers say the event is designed to promote confidence, character, community service, and philanthropy among participants.
“This pageant is about more than crowns — it’s about making a difference,” organizers said in the contestant packet. “Your participation helps raise funds to ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food.”
Contestants will compete in four age divisions: Tiny Miss for ages 3-4, Little Miss for ages 5-7, Young Miss for ages 8-10, and Miss Minden St. Jude for ages 11-13.
The competition will include opening wear and formal wear categories, with judges evaluating contestants on personality, confidence, stage presence, poise, and elegance. Participants are also required to raise a minimum of $50 for St. Jude, with fundraising contributing to overall scores and special awards.
Organizers encourage contestants to exceed the minimum fundraising requirement through activities such as lemonade stands, bake sales, jewelry sales, toy sales, and sponsorships.
A People’s Choice Award will be presented to the highest fundraiser in each age division, while an overall top fundraiser award will also be given. Additional donations for the People’s Choice competition may be made during the pageant.
Tickets for spectators are $5. Each contestant will receive one complimentary admission for a backstage support person.
Winners from each division will also make appearances and volunteer during the annual Minden St. Jude Auction in February.
Organizers say the event’s goal is to help children and families served by St. Jude while teaching young participants the value of community involvement and charitable giving.