LaFayette Main Street Pageant encourages girls through local support

BY KADIE TAYLOR

THE LAFAYETTE SUN

LAFAYETTE — Supporting businesses supporting youth, LaFayette Main Street is holding the Miss LaFayette Main Street Pageant on June 6 with five titles for girls to compete for. Through local sponsors, LaFayette Main Street is holding this event to empower young girls and bring visitors into LaFayette to support local businesses. 

“The Miss LaFayette Main Street Pageant is much more than a traditional pageant,” said LaFayette Main Street Executive Director DeAnna Hand. “It’s a community-driven event designed to empower young girls, celebrate local pride and promote LaFayette… At its core, the pageant represents youth empowerment and confidence; it gives girls ages 3-18 a chance to build confidence, poise and communication skills. Participants learn how to present themselves, meet new people and grow personally.”

Hand said the pageant is more than just beauty; it is about leadership, service and creating a space for girls to discover their strengths. 

“The Miss LaFayette Main Street Pageant brings the community together and celebrates youth,” she said. “It encourages contestants to give back and represent their hometown with pride. The experience builds confidence, leadership, communication skills and a heart for service, while creating lasting friendships and a deeper connection to the community. 

“Being a Miss LaFayette Main Street title holder means serving our community. Winners attend events, such as our festivals and MLK celebrations, ride in our Christmas Parade, support downtown initiatives, promote local businesses and represent LaFayette with pride. They also get a chance to visit the Alabama Legislature during the session to learn more about the legislative process.”

Along with creating a space for LaFayette youth to shine, Hand said the LaFayette Main Street Pageant also brings economic support to local businesses.

“As part of LaFayette Main Street, the event helps draw visitors into town, support local businesses and highlight revitalization efforts,” she said. “We are so thankful for the incredible businesses that help make the Miss LaFayette Main Street Pageant possible through their services, support and sponsorships.

“Last year’s Miss LaFayette Main Street Pageant received an overwhelmingly positive response. The community showed up with strong support, and participants gained confidence, friendships and connections.”

From the details that make the event special to the essentials behind the scenes, Hand said local businesses are behind many elements of the event — investing in the youth who will one day invest back into LaFayette. 

“Our beautiful title sashes are made locally from The Blue Button,” she said. “Our flowers are provided by Allen’s Flowers. Judges’ gifts are thoughtfully selected from LaFayette Nutrition, Newman’s and Ready, Set, Glow Tanning and Lowe’s Boutique. Our hospitality room is filled with delicious food from Zēk’s 37 and Krave Korner. Our print material is from David Direct, and even our event insurance is handled locally through Harmon Insurance. Many participants even use local businesses for their hair, lashes, tans, outfits and more.”

As families visit LaFayette on the day of the pageant, the visitors will purchase from local businesses, and Hand said all the proceeds raised will continue to support businesses and the growth of LaFayette. 

“Even more special, all proceeds from this event are poured right back into our downtown revitalization efforts, helping us continue to grow, beautify and strengthen LaFayette for everyone,” she said. “Supporting local isn’t just what we say, it’s what we do each and every day.”

For more information, follow LaFayette Main Street on Facebook or visit lafayettemainstreet.org.