Following a year off because of the pandemic, the 77th National Sweetheart Pageant is taking place this weekend in Hoopeston.
Michelle Crabtree, along with her husband, Cliff, serve as co-executive directors of the Pageant. Michelle says the pageant dates to 1940. A 2016 decision forced a change in its format…
{‘’So anyone can apply that meet the age requirements to be an applicant of the National Sweetheart Pageant. And all of this information is online. We get a lot of girls that find us online – and find our social media account and want to participate.’’}
Crabtree outlined when the competition will be occurring…
{The preliminary competition – so you’ll see all contestants – one through twenty-six, will compete on Saturday, September 4th at 6:30 p.m. at the McFerren Park Civic Center in Hoopeston. And then on Sunday you will see the top ten compete. Phases of the competition consist of swimsuit, evening gown, on stage question and talent.’’}
Crabtree noted the young women participating actually make an outfit that they wear honoring their state….
{It could be their state symbol. It could be their state mascot – where they’ve gone to college. They come up and create their own costume. They wear it during the parade, and then on Sunday during the performance they actually do a runway walk with their parade wear.’’}
The twenty-six contestants will be participating in Hoopeston’s Grand Parade which begins at 10:30 Saturday morning.
{The photos were taken as contestants gathered for a rehearsal session. They are courtesy of the Miss National Sweetheart Pageant.}
