National Shrimp Festival royalty crowned

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Erie Meyer Civic Center was buzzing Saturday morning as 85 young ladies from across Baldwin County competed in the Third Annual Miss Shrimp Festival pageant.

Young ladies in pre-K through 12th grade filled the auditorium with their beautiful dresses, perfectly quaffed hair and expertly applied make up. Sequins, rhinestones and frills filled the stage as the competition started. By late afternoon, the National Shrimp Festival’s royal court and queens had been crowned.

The competition consisted of an introduction and walk of the stage where judges scored the ladies on their appearance, poise and personality. Some young ladies chose to add additional judging for prettiest smile, prettiest eyes, best dress and hair.

Miss Shrimp Festival Pageant is presented by Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and the National Annual Shrimp Festival. All proceeds are donated to Orange Beach Elementary and Gulf Shores Elementary school.

Kimberly Hollis and Lindsay Taylor approached the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber with the idea of local girls representing the National Shrimp Festival as they do in many other festivals across Alabama. The pair also wanted to incorporate a way to help support education in the area as well. The chamber supported the idea and it has grown every year adding more age groups.

“The first year it was only offered pre-K to sixth grade then last year to eighth grade and this year through 12th with a $500 scholarship. Our goal is to get more sponsors to increase the scholarship. Every year it is growing with the support of the community,” said Hollis.

If you or your company would like to be a sponsor or scholarship sponsor for next year’s pageant please contact Steve Jones with the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber at steve@mygulfcoastchamber.com or call 251-968-7200.