NEWTON GROVE — July Fourth is coming soon and town leaders are preparing for the summertime celebration. One of the traditions is The Little Miss 4th of July Pageant, which took a hiatus for a couple of years.

It is scheduled for 5 p.m. Sunday, July 2, at Weeks Park for girls 3 to 10 years old. The Tiny Miss 4th of July division is for ages 3 to 5 and Little Miss 4th of July division is for ages 6 to 10. Contestants must live within 10 miles of Newton Grove or in the Hobbton District portion of Sampson County Schools.

Dana Allen, pageant organizer, is excited about the upcoming event.

“The girls really enjoy it because it’s a simple pageant and focuses more on fun and there’s no pressure,” Allen said. “We really just want them to get out there and have fun and boost their confidence.”

Participants will compete in two areas of competition, casual wear and on-stage interview. Contestants will need one patriotic themed outfit. According to the rules, the clothing should be purchased off the rack and not handmade. Each contestant will receive a tiara and a goody bag. For the onstage question, contestants will have to answer one on stage and it will be provided at a rehearsal.

“It’s a very good pageant for girls who’ve never participated in one,” Allen said. “It’s not a typical pageant — it’s very stress free and laid back.”

Former Tiny Miss and Little Miss winners are also welcome to attend for recognition purposes.

Along with the pageant, the celebration at the park will continue with live music, food vendors, games for children and a fireworks display at night. Events are being organized by The Fourth of July Planning Committee of Newton Grove.

“It’s a tradition,” Allen said. “Everybody comes to the park. People bring their lawn chairs, set them up and listen to the music. You have kids playing. It’s a really good event for all of the community to come together and the local businesses come together and sponsors the event.”

For more information regarding the pageant, contact Dana Allen at 919-594-7019 or by email at [email protected]

Applications are available online at www.newtongrove.net and should be submitted to Town Hall, 304 Weeksdale St., Newton Grove. The registration fee is $15 and the deadline to apply is Friday, June 16.

Fireworks in Newton Grove during the annual Fourth of July festival at Weeks Park.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_Fireworks-2-1.jpgFireworks in Newton Grove during the annual Fourth of July festival at Weeks Park.
Newton Grove preparing for holiday celebration

By Chase Jordan

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