Welcome & Introductions

We are thrilled to welcome everyone to the National Peanut Festival (NPF) Pageant! Your Pageant Co-Directors, Angila Brannon and Mary-Grace Martin, are here to guide you through this exciting journey.

Communication Guidelines

To ensure efficient and clear communication, all correspondence must be sent to pageants@nationalpeanutfestival.com.

Important Notes:

• Do not call the NPF office. If you do, you will be directed to email your concerns or requests to the above email address.
• Avoid sending private messages or texts to directors or committee members. All communications must go through the official email.

2025 Preliminary Pageant Dates

February 22 - April 26, 2025

These dates allow us to establish mandatory dates for contestants, such as Wallace Day. Please note that there will be no exceptions or makeup dates for missed events.

Prelim Paperwork

Due Date: May 16, 2025

The following documents must be submitted to the NPF:

• Signed Franchise Agreement for Little and Miss Pageants
• Three Signed and Notarized Contestant Forms for each pageant
• Winners’ Form: Includes Winner, 1st Runner-Up, and 2nd Runner-Up (ensure legible email addresses for contestant communications)
• Float Form: Confirms whether you’re building your own float or using the NPF Float Builder
• Principal or Parent’s Letter (Little Miss Only): Verifies grade promotion
• Franchise Fees:
  • Little Miss: $450
  • Miss: $700

Eligibility Requirements

Little Miss Contestants:

• Must have 3 eligible contestants.
• Age: At least 6 years old, but not over 8 years old as of October 11, 2025.
• Must live or attend school in their represented area.
• Must be in 1st Grade when entering the local pageant and promoted to 2nd Grade at the end of the school year.
• For virtual/home-schooled students: Provide a letter stating the school district they are zoned to attend.

Miss Contestants:

• Must have 3 eligible contestants.
• Age: At least 16 years old, but not over 19 years old as of October 17, 2025.
• Must live or attend school in their represented area.
• For virtual/home-schooled students: Provide a letter stating the school district they are zoned to attend.
• Dual Enrollment Students: May only compete in the town/county of their high school enrollment or physical residence.

Note: Contestants attending school outside their designated zoning area via online classes are not eligible to compete in that area.

Important Dates

• Fair Dates: October 31 – November 9, 2025
• Little Miss Dress Rehearsal: Friday, October 10
• Little Miss Pageant: Saturday, October 11 (5:00 p.m.)
• Miss Dress Rehearsal: Sunday, October 12
• Queens Arrive & Rehearsal: Thursday, October 16
• Miss Prelims: Friday, October 17 (6:00 p.m.)
• Miss Finals: Saturday, October 18 (4:00 p.m.)

Guidelines & Requirements

Behavior & Practices

• Practices are both fun and crucial. Contestants must behave appropriately, and any disruptions will result in notifications to directors and parents.
• Zero tolerance policy for misbehavior.

Attire

• Gowns (Miss Contestants): Must be tasteful and age-appropriate. If unsure, please email us for guidance.
• Arrival Day Attire: Contestants should wear the official NPF pageant shirt and any style of pants. Creativity is encouraged!

Float Safety

For participants building their own floats:

• Ensure floats are safe with secure seating or handholds for standing participants.
• Parade Entry forms (with liability disclaimers) will come from the Parade Committee.

Deadlines

• No changes to winners will be accepted after June 1, 2025.
• Local contestants’ paperwork must be electronically uploaded by July 11, 2025.

Additional Topics

• Social Media: Follow us on Facebook:
  • Contestants and parents: Queens - National Peanut Festival
  • Directors only: NPF Prelim Directors (do not invite contestants’ family or friends).
• Troy University Scholarships: Direct all scholarship inquiries to Kerrie Hill at kmhill@troy.edu.
• Program Distribution: Judges will now receive programs in their welcome baskets.

All dates and events are mandatory. Contestants with scheduling conflicts should reconsider their participation.