Lovely young ladies from infants to teens will be vying for trophies and crowns at the 2010 Miss Independence Pageant June 19.

The event will feature age categories 0-6 years of age at 2 p.m. and ages 7-19 years of age at 4:30 p.m. at the Ritz Theatre in Greenville.

The second annual pageant is a fundraiser for Safe Harbor – the Children’s Advocacy Center, which serves young victims/witnesses of child abuse, neglect and violent crime and their families in the tri-county area.

There will be a total of eight categories, ranging from Baby Miss to Miss Independence, with the latter category winner also winning a $250 scholarship.

Those in the younger categories are asked to wear their Sunday best or heirloom dresses; older categories should wear age-appropriate formals.

“The contestants will be judges on poise, eye contact, smile and overall appearance,” said Sara Jean Atkins of Safe Harbor.

“Prizes will be given to the winner and runner-up in each category.”

An optional Photogenic Contest may be entered for $5 per photo (limit two) no larger than 8×10 in size.

Those in the 16-19 years category may enter the Essay Contest for a chance to win $250.

Entry fees are $20 per contestant; please note that pageant queens from last year will be allowed to enter this year.

Rehearsals will be 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 18. All photos must be submitted by this time, says Atkins.

“We appreciate all who participate and support this event. Please know you are making a difference in the life of a child,” Atkins said.

For additional information, contact Kathy Smyth at 334-406-6464 or Tiffany Finklea at 334-453-0536.