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A total of 68 contestants will compete in the Miss Andalusia Pageant on Sunday, April 28, with two pageants, one at 2 p.m. and the second at 5 p.m., in the LBW Dixon Center for the Performing Arts.

The pageant is both a preliminary pageant for the National Peanut Festival Pageant and a fundraiser for the Andalusia City Schools Parent-Teacher Organization. Only residents of Andalusia or students enrolled in an Andalusia, Straughn, or Pleasant Home school may enter the pageant.

Catherine Nixon is serving as the pageant director for the first time. She said she is excited about the role.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to direct the pageant and can’t wait for pageant day. It will be exciting to watch, not only the queens, but also all the contestants who will blossom in different areas of their lives,” Nixon said. “As the director, I am looking forward to being more involved with the community on so many different levels. I have been given a chance to get to know all of our contestants and their families.”

Contestants will be split into two pageants of 11 divisions. The afternoon pageant will see the first six divisions compete starting at 2 p.m. The evening pageant will have the five remaining divisions take the stage at 5 p.m.

Contestants in the afternoon pageant are comprised of Baby Miss (0 to 11 months), Itsy Miss (12 to 23 months), Tiny Miss (2 to 3 years old), Future Little Miss (4 years to kindergarten), and Little Miss (first grade).

Contestants in the evening pageant are comprised of Petite Miss (second to third grade), Young Miss (fourth to fifth grade), Preteen Miss (sixth to seventh grade), Junior Miss (eighth to ninth grade), Teen Miss (tenth to eleventh grade), and Miss Andalusia (16 to 19 years old).

“Each division will have a queen, three runners-up, a photogenic winner, and winners for Prettiest Hair, Eyes, Smile, and Best Dress. We will also have two winners that will receive the title of Miss Heart of Andalusia for raising the most money for the PTOs. There will be two winners who will receive the title of Miss Spirit of Andalusia as well for selling the most ads into our program,” Nixon said.

According to Nixon, funds received from entry fees went largely to the production of the pageant. Additional funds will go to PTOs at Andalusia schools and to the 2024 Miss Andalusia winner’s fund for events she attends and hosts throughout her year of reign.

“Miss Andalusia is not just about winning a crown but is about creating lifelong friendships. We invite the public to come out and support these children and young ladies on Sunday,” she said.

Admission is $7 for ages 10 and up.

For more information email catherinegnixon@gmail.com or visit the Miss Andalusia Pageant page on Facebook.