Red Fern pageant makes debut

Chelsea Carter
TNE Writer

For years, beauty pageants have mainly focused on the physical beauty of its contestants. Now,
most contests focus on the personality and intelligence of its contenders. The first Red Fern
Pageant is hoping to showcase the amazing character and personality of the youth in Cherokee
County.
"We did a pageant years before during Homecoming," said Rylee Ketcher, pageant director. "We
want these girls to be who they are without having to pretend to be something they're not and
show off their personality. That's why we don't have a theme. We want them to have fun and not
have to worry about restricts."
The pageant is considered a natural beauty pageant where charisma and simplicity are important
factors.
"I think having the pageant is a good idea," said Jessica Pritchett, Jay junior. "We have the
Huckleberry pageant back where I'm from and it has an amazing impact on girls."
Other ladies believe the pageant will do more than have the girls show off their talents and
gowns but also inspire and boost their self-esteem based on their own experience.
"It was really fun and exciting," said Atlanta Marley, Broken Arrow sophomore. "It really helped
me come out of my shell and be more outgoing."
The three categories, which include Little Miss, Junior Miss and Miss Red Fern, are for girls
from the age of 5 to 17 years old.

Ketcher believes their judging panel, which includes Penny Turner, Miss NSU and Sherry Baker,
will inspire the girls to do great things for the community as well as themselves.
"Our goal is that these young girls will go on to represent Cherokee County to inspire and build a
stronger connections with others," said Ketcher.
The pageant will be start at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 25 at the festival.
Published 4/08/15

Cutline: The Red Fern Festival is having its first pageant. Young ladies are encouraged to
compete and inspire.