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By Angela Cutrer
Star Correspondent
Using the American Cancer Society’s motto “choose hope, together we all win,” it’s once again time to gather for the events surrounding the Relay for Life event this fall.

Contestants may now sign up for the Sept. 10 Second Annual “Miss Relay for Life” pageant at the Covered Bridge Park. The pageant, which benefits the American Cancer Society, is set for 3 p.m. Sept. 9 on the park’s stage.

Check-in to the pageant is between 2-2:50 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the pageant will be held at the Elizabethton Parks and Recreation, 300 Mill St., Elizabethton.

There will be seven age-division queens crowned during the event. The cost of entry is a $40 basic beauty fee and an additional $5 to enter the photogenic category. Formal dress of choice is expected and cupcake (short) dresses are appropriate for the “littles.”

“There are age groups from birth all the way to 80,” said the pageant’s director, Amy Simmons. “This is a wonderful pageant for family members to enter together.”

Age groups are as follows:

* birth-2
* ages 3-5
* ages 6-10
* ages 11-15
* ages 16-20
* ages 21-40
* and the new category of ages 41-80
There will also be two over-all photogenic queens crowned. Contestants must bring one photo at check-in with the contestant’s name and age on the back.

The prestigious large “People’s Choice” crown, sash and queen’s robe will also be awarded. Contestants will collect $1 votes from family, friends and local businesses who wish to help sponsor a contestant. The votes will be placed into the contestant’s bag at check-in. The contestant with the most $1 votes will win the crown, sash and queen’s robe.

Each contestant at check-in will receive a Silver Dedication Star, upon which contestants will write a special name of someone they are honoring. Special side sashes will be awarded by the national title-holder judges. “This is wonderful to honor and dedicate to someone who has been touched by cancer,” Simmons explained. “This amazing community pageant will be donating $100 to the American Cancer Society, so come out and support these beautiful contestants!”

The experienced judges and pageant staff include Simmons, the reigning World’s Classic Ms. Tourism 2024 and World’s Miss Tourism Role Model 2024; DeAnna Greer, the “Miss Sullivan County,” affiliated with the Miss America Pageant; Kaylee Hollifield, the former “Miss US Amerifest” and “Miss Tennessee Grand Supreme;” and Rhonda Mullins, a former NFL cheerleader for the Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas pre-games and the New England Patriots.

The entire Relay for Life event will incorporate more than just a fast race, Simmons said. “The event will be in full swing, so come join the celebration,” she said. “Last year was the very first ‘Miss Relay For Life Pageant’ in our area and I was extremely honored to direct this event. The turnout was amazing and we look forward to another great pageant honoring and supporting those we love.”

To enter the “Miss Relay for Life” pageant, text 540-392-9138 and leave your name, age and e-mail address and an entry form will be e-mailed to you. Text this information by Aug. 31 so the pageant will be able to have all the awards needed for the event.

Local businesses interested in offering entry forms should text 540-392-9138 and the forms can be dropped off.