BY LISA STAYTON
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Inez is set to sparkle as the Miss Harvest Festival Pageant 2024 takes center stage Sept. 7 at the Martin County Public Library-Collier Center.
Hosted by Eastern Elite Pageantry (EEP), this event invites participants of all ages, from babies to ladies over 22, to compete in a showcase of beauty, talent and confidence.
The beauty pageant in years past was a tradition of the festival in Inez. Following an absence, it made a dazzling comeback in 2023 under the guidance of Tiffany Hinkle, attracting nearly 50 contestants.
Hinkle is driven by her vision of spreading positivity and empowerment through pageantry.
“The confidence the contestants gain is one of the best parts,” she said. “It’s a true family. Plus, I love showcasing local talents, meeting new people, and just overall spreading good vibes.”
This year’s pageant takes place the weekend before the grand Harvest Festival, giving the winners an opportunity to bask in the limelight during the halftime of the Harvest Bowl on Sept. 13 at Cardinal Stadium and to ride in the Harvest Fest Parade on Sept. 14.
With an “all-in” entry fee of $75, the pageant encourages contestants to embrace the spirit of the season by donning fall-themed attire. “Think fall pictures,” Hinkle noted.
The competition kicks off at noon and is divided into various age categories: Baby 0-11 months, Toddler 12-23 months, Wee 2-3 years, Tiny 4-5 years, Little 6-7 years, Junior 8-9 years, Pre-Teen 10-12 years, Teen 13-16 years, Miss 17-21 years and Ms. 22+ years. Boys’ divisions will be finalized based on the number of participants.
Participants can register online:
cognitoforms.com/misseasternelite/missharvestfestival2024
Hinkle, whose daughter has been an enthusiastic pageant participant for nearly four years, is thrilled to bring this glamorous opportunity to Inez.
“We usually travel two hours or more just for her to compete because there are not many pageants in Eastern Kentucky,” she explained. “We have had an amazing experience, and I thought, ‘Why not bring it to Eastern Kentucky?’ People think a pageant is just about beauty, but it is not. It’s a great platform to inspire others and make a difference in the community.”
Hinkle is committed to positive and respectful events and believes it is important to ensure that everyone feels heard and valued.
EEP maintains transparency and fairness by employing only trained and certified judges from outside the tri-state area, all of whom have completed classes for scholarship-styled pageants.
“A lot has changed since we first started hosting,” Hinkle reflected. “We continue to learn new tricks and tips.”
Finding suitable venues has been one of the biggest challenges. However, according to Hinkle, the Martin County Public Library has been a supportive and accommodating partner, making it the ideal location for these events.
Looking to the future, EEP plans to increase involvement from older girls and hopes to start awarding scholarships.
In March, EEP hosted a Disney-themed pageant featuring over 40 contestants, where Martin County High School students dressed as Disney characters, enchanting the younger participants with photos and entertainment.
“It was just a great day of fun and community involvement,” Hinkle shared. “I love seeing the older kids being great role models and investing their time in our youth.”
EEP is also excited to announce two upcoming pageants at the Martin County Library in Inez: Miss Fright Fest on Oct. 19 and Miss Christmas in the Mountains on Nov. 16. Both are set for noon start times.
Register for Miss Fright Fest:
cognitoforms.com/misseasternelite/missfrightfest2024
Register for Miss Christmas in the Mountains:
cognitoforms.com/misseasternelite/misschristmasinthemountains2024
Follow Eastern Elite Pageantry on Facebook, call 949-430-8540 or email thinkle0010@yahoo.com for more information.