This year a Miss Patriotic pageant was added to the Forks Old-Fashioned 4th of July schedule of events. Many of you may remember there was a time, long ago, that Forks had a pageant at the 4th of July celebration, but it became a tradition lost over time. This year it returned for the kids of Forks!

Miss Patriotic had one simple goal: to make kids look at the world around them and think about what it means to be American to them. No wrong answers, just to think about what they love about their country and where they belong in it. The younger kids were asked to perform a talent that showed their excitement for America and they did not disappoint. There was freestyle dancing and ribbon dancing! The older kids were asked to write an essay in any form about America, one did a speech on what it means to them and one wrote an original poem.

Kids were also tasked with creating their own denim costumes with help from family members. The costumes were amazing! Many utilized Ginger’s Closet for materials and then upcycled their costumes with rhinestones and sequins. Their creativity was on full display.

While everyone won a crown and rhinestone sash, the real prize was the skills they learned in preparing for the stage. It was clear everyone had practiced! Each girl came onto the stage, answered a question, performed a talent or speech and carried herself with grace all while doing it in front of an audience. Not one girl froze, forgot their routine, or even cried. Not one. When awards were given, no one complained or cried if they were not chosen the Grand Supreme; they all congratulated the winner and were proud of their own wins. Sportsmanship, public speaking, interviewing, creativity and dedication to practicing; all skills these girls showed this week on stage.

Following the pageant, the queens entered the Kiddie Parade … and won 1st place in the walking division! During the parade route, each queen and princess chose 4 people from the crowd to name part of the Miss Patriotic Court, giving them a sash or court ribbon. One lucky girl was even crowned the parade queen by the girls! Our grand supreme winner, Delaney, handed out gifts to the kids along the route.

Congratulations to our winners, when you look at your crowns in years to come, may it remind you that winning only comes with hard work and help from others.