Scholarship pageant invites contestants

The Merchants Association of Columbia County is seeking contestants for the Miss Columbia County Fair Scholarship Pageant.

//

The 37th annual pageant, which is open to girls from Augusta and surrounding areas, will be held Saturday at Greenbrier High School.

The deadline to enter is Tuesday.

"It is all free," said Pat Becton, pageant director. "It is something we do for the community."

Contestants must be single, from surrounding counties, and ages 17 to 24 by Jan. 15, 2010.

Becton said she's looking for beautiful, fit and intelligent young ladies to compete in three categories -- interview, fitness/swimsuit and evening gown. The judges' interview prior to the pageant counts for 30 percent of each contestant's score.

The winner of the pageant, which typically has 15-20 contestants, will receive $500. The first, second and third runners-up also will earn cash prizes.

"The winner goes to Atlanta to compete against other fair queens from throughout the state," Becton said.

Locally, the fair queen will participate in opening ceremonies for the Columbia County Fall Fair on Nov. 5, serve as an honorary tree-lighter for Columbia County's Christmas in America Festival Dec. 5, and ride in the Merchants Association Christmas Parade Dec. 6.

For information or to get an application, contact Becton at (706) 863-7645, or pbecton@knology.net or visit www. columbiacountyfair.net.