2026 Pageant Handbook
Everything from rules to pageant day, in one place. Written by the director, Amanda Upton.
Welcome
Welcome to the 2026 Miss Union County Fair Pageant. We celebrate confidence, personality, and the spirit of each contestant, from our tiniest baby queens to our Teen and Miss representatives.
This year's theme, Sweet Southern Charm, brings the fun, flair, and styles of the south to the stage. We cannot wait to see how each contestant brings it to life in the Outfit of Choice phase.
Our goal is a positive, professional, and encouraging experience for every participant and their family. Whether this is your very first pageant or you are a returning contestant, we are thankful you chose to be part of our event.
Please read through this carefully and reach out with any questions. We cannot wait to crown this year's winners and watch our community shine on stage.
Amanda Upton
Director, Miss Union County Fair Pageant
Phases of competition
Each contestant is judged in three main areas. Every phase is designed to highlight personality, presentation, and confidence in an age-appropriate way.
Evening Gown
All contestants wear a formal gown and model on stage. Judging is based on poise, grace, confidence, and overall appearance.
- Ages 4 and under may be escorted by a parent or chaperone. The adult wears all black, no low cut shirts.
- Ages 5 and up must walk the stage independently.
- Gowns should be age-appropriate, well-fitted, and reflect the contestant's personality and style.
Judging criteria: poise and posture, confidence and comfort on stage, suitability and fit of the gown, overall impression.
Outfit of Choice: Sweet Southern Charm
This fun fashion phase lets contestants show off personality and creativity. Outfits should reflect this year's theme, inspired by living in the south. Think denim, lace, pearls, ruffles, bows, eyelet fabrics, boots, or other timeless Southern-inspired fashion. This is not a costume competition. Choose a stylish, age-appropriate outfit that showcases her personality and confidence.
- Outfits may be custom, off the rack, glitzed, or casual, as long as they capture the Southern charm feel.
- Props may be used but must be easy to manage and must not disrupt stage flow.
- Ages 4 and under may be accompanied by a chaperone. Ages 5 and up walk independently.
Judging criteria: stage presence and personality, creativity and interpretation of the theme, confidence and engagement with the audience, overall styling and presentation.
Photogenic
Each contestant is judged on one submitted photo, emailed to missunioncountyfair@gmail.com by October 4, 2026. Additional photos may be entered for $10 each. Judging focuses on natural beauty, clarity, and overall impression.
- Photos can be professional or high-quality personal images.
- No filters or heavy edits that alter facial features.
- Judged prior to the pageant.
Judging criteria: facial expression and eye contact, clarity and quality of the photo, natural and age-appropriate styling, overall presentation and visual impact.
Age divisions
| Division | Age |
|---|---|
| Baby Miss | 6 months to 12 months |
| Tiny Miss | 1 to 2 years |
| Little Miss | 3 to 5 years |
| Young Miss | 6 to 8 years |
| Preteen Miss | 9 to 11 years |
| Jr Teen | 12 to 14 years |
| Teen | 15 to 18 years |
| Miss | 19 to 27 years |
Teen and Miss divisions: the winner with the highest score has the option to represent at the state level, competing in the Miss Georgia/South Carolina State Fair Pageant.
People's Choice
The People's Choice Award is an optional chance to earn a special title, crown, and sash while rallying community support.
- Votes are $1 each and can be cast for any contestant in any age division.
- Voting is open in person during the pageant. Friends, family, and supporters may vote as many times as they wish.
- Cash is collected in the contestant's container at the pageant. You may collect donations beforehand and bring them to registration.
The contestant with the most votes overall is crowned 2026 Miss Union County Fair Ambassador and receives a custom crown, sash, and title on stage. Participation is optional but encouraged. It is a fun way to get your community involved.
Awards and titles
Each contestant is judged in three categories: Evening Gown, Outfit of Choice, and Photogenic.
Miss Union County Fair Overall Queen
The contestant with the highest combined score across all categories is crowned Overall Queen and receives a crown, sash, and award. We do not double crown. Once awarded, she is removed from eligibility for division titles.
Overall category winners
One overall winner is named for Evening Gown, Outfit of Choice, and Photogenic. Each receives an award.
Division Queens
Each age division has one Queen based on combined score, receiving a crown, sash, and award. If the Overall Queen came from that division, the next highest scorer in that group receives the Division Queen title.
Division category awards
Each age group has a Best Evening Gown, Best Outfit of Choice, and Best Photogenic. Winners receive a trophy or medal.
Rules and expectations
To keep this fair, organized, and enjoyable for all contestants, families, and staff, the following applies.
General
- All entry fees are non-refundable, regardless of circumstances, including withdrawal or disqualification.
- Contestants must compete in their correct age division based on age as of October 24, 2026.
- All paperwork and fees must be submitted by the published deadline to be eligible to compete.
- Judges' decisions are final and will not be discussed or disputed.
- No coaching or prompting from the audience or sidelines during competition.
- Contestants must participate in all required competition areas to be eligible for titles.
- Judge feedback is not guaranteed.
Wardrobe and appearance
- Contestants should be appropriately dressed for each category.
- Wardrobe must be age-appropriate and in good taste.
- No props are allowed during any phase of competition unless otherwise stated.
- Hair and makeup are allowed but must remain age-appropriate, especially for younger contestants.
Sportsmanship and conduct
- Positive attitudes and good sportsmanship are expected from contestants and their families at all times.
- Any display of poor behavior, disruptive conduct, or unsportsmanlike actions, by a contestant or anyone associated with her, may result in disqualification without refund.
- Bullying, gossip, or negative commentary in person or on social media will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification from current or future events.
Pageant day
- Contestants must arrive on time for check-in and follow the event schedule as directed.
- Contestants and guests must remain respectful to pageant staff, volunteers, and other participants throughout the event.
- Only one parent or guardian may accompany younger contestants backstage. No additional family members or friends are allowed in the dressing areas.
Photography and media
- By entering, all contestants grant permission for their name and image to be used in promotional materials, social media, and photo galleries.
- Personal photography or video is allowed during the event but is restricted inside the dressing room area. Please be respectful of others and avoid blocking views.
We reserve the right to adjust rules or scheduling as needed for the smooth operation of the event. By entering, you agree to abide by all rules and expectations listed above.
How to enter
All contestants must complete the official entry form and submit payment by the deadline to be considered registered.
Step 1: Complete the application
Fill out and submit the online application form.
Step 2: Submit the entry fee, $125
One photogenic entry is included. Additional photos are $10 each. Entry fees can be paid by Venmo, Cash App, or cash taken to the Union County Fair office. Include the contestant's name in the payment note for proper credit.
- Venmo: @Amandaupton5
- Cash App: $amandaupton5
- Cash: the Union County Fair office
Deadline to enter: October 4, 2026
All applications and entry fees must be submitted by October 4. No late entries will be accepted. All fees are non-refundable, no exceptions.