Little Mr./Miss Pageant & Baby Contest
May 17 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Presented by the Herrin Woman’s Club, the Little Mr./Miss Pageant and Baby Contest is one of HerrinFesta’s most adorable traditions, inviting our youngest community members to shine on stage. With several age-based categories, this heartwarming event celebrates personality, charm, and those unforgettable first smiles. It’s a crowd favorite filled with cuteness, laughter, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Proceeds from this event support the local service projects of the Herrin Woman’s Club.
The pageant will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Herrin Civic Center. Doors open at noon, and the Baby Pageant begins at 1:00 p.m. Admission is $5.00 per person (cash only). Children ages 8 and under are free.
The Baby Contest is open to babies from birth to 2 years of age on the day of the pageant. There will be a break for awards after the baby contest.
New Category – E”special”ly Lovely:
Open to children from birth through 14 years of age. There will be a break for awards following this category.
- Little Miss/Mr. Pageant is open to children ages 3 to 5 years on pageant day.
- Junior Miss/Mr. Pageant is open to children ages 6 to 9 years on pageant day.
- Preteen Miss is open to girls ages 10 to 12 years on pageant day.
- Miss Teen is open to girls ages 13 to 15 years on pageant day.
This year’s theme is “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.” Contestants may wear a themed outfit or any casual or dressy outfit of their choice. There will be no outfit changes.
Applications should be submitted in advance. Please submit a separate form for each child entered, although one check may be used for multiple entries. The entry fee is $30 per child, and checks should be made payable to Herrin Woman’s Club.
Check-in for Little Miss/Mr., Junior Miss/Mr., Preteen Miss, and Miss Teen contestants will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Winners who wish to ride in the HerrinFesta Parade on Saturday, May 23, 2026, must arrange their own transportation. There will not be a Woman’s Club float. Winners will be contacted with parade details.
Judges’ decisions are final. Crowns will be awarded to the winners in each age division.
2026 HerrinFesta Italiana Children’s Pageants Information Sheet (pdf)
2026 HerrinFesta Italiana Children’s Pageants Registration Form (pdf)
