www.illinoisfestivalpageants.com

2021

OFFICIAL HANDBOOK

Melissa Muirheid, Pageant Director

missillinoisfestival@gmail.com

(217) 855-6399 (text preferred)

V E N U E I N F O R M A T I O N

August 20 – 21, 2021Decatur Club

158 W. Prairie AvenueDecatur, Illinois

VENUE – Decatur Club

Parking is free. If the lot fills up there is plenty of street parking and an additional parking lot east one block. Ignore the 3-hour parking signs because there are no parking meters

Guests will need to pay the $10.00 admission to view all four pageant divisions

HOTEL – just a few options; feel free to research yourself

Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Hampton Inn / Decatur-Mt. Zion2370 Mount Zion Rd. Decatur 4855 Evergreen Ct. Decatur(217) 864-9311 approx $64 (217) 864-3297 approx $105

Homewood Suites by Hilton / Decatur-Forsyth Holiday Inn & Suites / Decatur-Forsyth333 W. Marion Ave. Forsyth 5150 N. Wingate Dr. Decatur(217) 877-0887 approx $84 (217) 542-5400 approx $109

Decatur Conference Center & Hotel4191 US Highway 36 West Decatur

(217) 422-8800 approx $109

SCHEDULE – Decatur Club

Friday, August 20, 2021 6:00 pm – Rehearsal

Bring wardrobe to leave in your dressing room Bring shoes to practice walking Bring your raffle tickets and money

Saturday, August 21, 2021

9:00 am – Interview for Queen candidates

10:00 am – Interview for Junior Miss candidates

11:00 am – Interview for Pre-Teen candidates

2:00 pm - Pageant

DIVISIONS

Queen 17 – 24 years

Junior Miss 14 – 16 years

Pre-Teen 10 – 13 years

Princess 5 – 9 years (every girl wins – not a competition)

SCORING – Queen Division

Personal Interview 30%

Introduction on stage 10%

Casual Wear 15%

Communication Skills / Speech 20%

Formal Wear 15%

Stage Presence 10%

SCORING – Junior Miss Division

Personal Interview 30%

Introduction on stage 10%

Casual Wear 15%

On Stage Question 20%

Formal Wear 15%

Stage Presence 10%

SCORING – Pre-Teen Division

Personal Interview 30%

Introduction on stage 10%

Casual Wear 20%

On Stage Question 10%

Formal Wear 20%

Stage Presence 10%

AWARDS

Queen / Junior Miss / Pre-Teen

1ST Runner Up 2nd Runner Up Speech Award Congeniality Award Fashion Award (best casual wear) Fashion Award (best gown) Photogenic People’s Choice Sold Most Raffle Tickets

PRIZE PACKAGE

Queen / Junior Miss / Pre-Teen

Crown Rhinestone Sash Trophy/Plaque Traveling Crown Box Scepter/Velvet Scepter Bag Crown Pin Floral Bouquet $250 Cash (Queen Division) Magnetic Car Signs Photography

PAGEANT ORDER of EVENTS

Welcome

National Anthem

Current Royalty Hello

Introduction of Contestants – Princesses, Pre-Teen, Junior Miss & Queen

Princess Interviews on stage

Introduction of Pageant Judges

Casual Wear / On-Stage Question – Pre-Teen Candidates

Casual Wear / On-Stage Question – Junior Miss Candidates

Casual Wear - Queen Candidates

Party Wear – Princesses

Princess Coronation & Special Awards

Communication/Speech – Queen Candidates

Introduction of Visiting Royalty

Raffle Drawings

Introduction of Former Royalty & Volunteers

Formal Wear – Pre-Teen Candidates

Formal Wear – Junior Miss Candidates

Formal Wear – Queen Candidates

2020 Pre-Teen Farewell

Coronation of 2021 Illinois Festival Pre-Teen

2020 Junior Miss Farewell

Coronation of 2021 Illinois Festival Pre-Teen

2020 Queen Farwell

Coronation of 2021 Illinois Festival Queen

Pictures

REQUIRED EVENTS

BIO/ENTRY FORM

Entry forms may be found at our website www.illinoisfestivalpageants.comForms should be typed and emailed to the director using missillinoisfestival@gmail.com If you are using Google Docs – please use the email muirheidfarms@gmail.com Do not submit or add additional pages to your bio. Make sure your bio fits and prints on ONE page only. The judges first impression of you is your entry form so proofread for spelling errors! Be concise. We don’t need to know what you did in second grade unless it is significant. Examples: Basketball, Volleyball, Water Sports, Photography etc. You do not need to list 1,2,3,4 or Fresh, Soph, Junior, Senior etc. Make sure you include community service on your one-page bio unless you plan on submitting the optional page of Community Service where there is more room to elaborate

INTERVIEW (Queen, Junior Miss & Pre-Teen)

Personal interview will be panel-style where you will meet with all of the judges at the same time the morning of the actual pageant

o Queen division will have a five-minute interviewo Junior Miss division will have a four-minute interviewo Pre-Teen division will have a three-minute interview

There will be a total of 3 professional pageant judges in the room conducting your panel interview. This is the best way for the judges to get to know you on a personal level and really see your personality shine. Do not rehearse your answers. Just be REAL!

Your outfit should be something simple and age appropriate. You may wear a business dress or a fashionable pantsuit but no denim. Traditional business suits are not necessary (we are not the county fair system). Choose solid colors and stay away from busy patterns and too much jewelry. Remember you are trying to achieve a polished, put-together look and should treat this like a job interview.

Each contestant will be given a contestant number (rosette) to wear. These should be returned before the pageant concludes

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION (Queen, Junior Miss & Pre-Teen)

Your personal introduction will be given on stage in your interview outfit or something similar but it should be professional - - - not an “outfit of choice”

You will have a total of 30 seconds to deliver your introduction. Judges will monitor and deduct points at their discretion if the 30 second time limit is exceeded

Your introduction should contain your name, hometown and include one interesting fact about yourself. Let your personality shine and don’t forget to thank your sponsor

Introduction Example: I’m an enthusiastic 4th grader coming to you from My Town! One day I plan to be the first female on Mars. When I’m not gazing at the sky, I’m at home enjoying time with my family. Remember my name, (insert name), one day you will read about my journey to the stars! A big thank you to (insert sponsor) for sponsoring me today!

Princesses will fill out an Intro card for our emcee to read while being introduced on stage

CASUAL WEAR MODELING / FASHION (Queen, Junior Miss & Pre-Teen)

Each contestant will model an outfit of her choice. Examples are rompers, jumpsuits, Capri pants, shorts, skorts, summer skirt – something you might wear out with your girlfriends or to the movies. You can wear sandals, flip-flops or whatever looks best with your overall outfit. Show your personality! If you choose to wear “denim” try to dress it up so it doesn’t look sloppy and too casual

We are looking for outfits right out of your closet or off the rack; custom outfits are not required

Small, handheld items are allowed such as purses, sunglasses, hats, etc No exaggerate facials; we are looking for simple poses and fluid movements on stage with a

natural smile Please no costumes, swimwear or school sportswear

COMMUNICATION SKILLS/SPEECH (Queen)

Prepare and perform a one minute speech on the topic of your choice as long as the topic is not immoral or controversial. Be creative. This is a chance to express to the judges something about yourself that you were not able to convey in your interview. Ideas are your hometown, county, family, pet peeve or anything that makes you unique. Speeches will take place on stage with a microphone. Remember: singers change hands with the microphone – when giving a speech you should NOT change hands. No props. No signing, poems, sign language or rhyming

It is suggested that you wear the outfit you wore to your interview (so the judges remember who you are) or a similar type of professional wear

ON-STAGE QUESTION (Junior Miss & Pre-Teen)

The emcee will ask you one question from your bio This takes place during Casual Wear / Fashion so that is the outfit you should wear

FORMAL WEAR (Queen, Junior Miss & Pre-Teen)

Each contestant will have their moment alone in the spotlight in a formal gown of her choice Small sweeps are allowed, provided the contestant is able to handle the train without

tripping. A small slit is permitted in the Queen division. It is preferred that Junior Miss & Pre-Teen candidates have straps on their gowns

Gown does not have to be floor length. Choose a gown in your best color and coordinate your shoes and accessories so that they add to your total look – not distract from it

PAGEANT PROGRAM PHOTOS

One digital color photo per contestant emailed to missillinoisfestival@gmail.com Image you submit MUST be a high-resolution jpeg file Glitz photos are not permitted Photo submission must not be larger than an 8x10 Your name and sponsor will be listed under your photo in our official full color program I prefer not to scan photos into the program as the quality is low

FUNDRAISING

Each contestant (including princess) will be mailed 35 raffle tickets Tickets are $1.00 each Winners do not need be present to win provided they have filled out their info on the ticket.

The pageant emcee will draw tickets at the pageant and monetary cash envelopes will be awarded. If the winning ticket holders are not in attendance, we will mail or find the contestant who sold the ticket

A prize will be given in each division to the contestant who sells the most raffle tickets All proceeds go back to the pageant to help cover pageant costs ALL raffle tickets are due at the Friday night FINAL REHEARSAL

AD PROGRAM

Business card (size is 3.75 x 2.5) for $35 Quarter page (size is 3.75 x 5) is $50

Half page(size is 7.5 x 5) is $75 Full page (size is 7.5 x 10) is $150 Electronic ads may be emailed to missillinoisfestival@gmail.com We can scan business cards into program If your business needs a receipt, please let us know Checks payable to: Melissa Muirheid (no checks to Illinois Festival Pageant) These ads help pay for our full color program. If we sell enough, we will have color. If not,

unfortunately the program will be in black and white including contestant photos

HAPPY ADS

Happy ads are $10 each and will be placed in our pageant program given free to all guests in attendance. There is no limit on the number of ads you can submit. This is a great way to encourage your contestant and help us pay for our beautiful full-color program. Director has the right to limit number of words as ads should be short and sweet – not a novel

$10 per ad payable to: Melissa Muirheid (not Illinois Festival Pageant)

Example: Good Luck Jalynn! Rock that stage Alyssa!We love you, Love, GrandmaMom & Dad

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

We will have containers set up for your friends/family to vote for you monetarily Containers will be placed at the entrance to the ballroom The contestant in each division who collects the most money will be recognized on stage Money goes back to the pageant to help with expenses

PAGEANT PHOTOGRAPHY

Studio 131 from Springfield will take photos on a backdrop of every contestant in every outfit Whether you order photos or not, EVERY contestant will have their photo taken. They will

also take photos on stage Please tell your family/friends that because we have a professional photographer who offers

ALL IMAGES for only $35.00 that we do not allow photography Studio131photo.com

DRESSING ROOM

Each contestant is allowed ONE helper in the back stage dressing room

Because they are backstage, they will not be allowed to watch the pageant so pick a helper that wants to help you – not watch you as they will be backstage the entire pageant

Each helper will be required to wear a wristband

FINAL REHEARSAL

Friday night, August 20, 2021 beginning at 6:00 pm at the Decatur Club You are welcome to bring any dressing room items or wardrobe items to leave This is not a full blown “dress” rehearsal. You may dress casual but bring shoes to practice

walking the stage Your 35 raffle tickets and money are due at this time

FEES

Queen division entry fee is $125 Junior Miss division entry fee is $100 Pre-Teen division entry fee is $75 Princess division entry fee is $50 If your sponsor needs a business receipt, please let us know Fees are non-refundable under all circumstances Checks payable to: Melissa Muirheid (not Illinois Festival Pageant)

P R I N C E S S P R O G R A M

~ Every Princess Wins – not a competition ~

General Rules

missillinoisfestival@gmail.com

1. Participants for the Illinois Festival Parade of Princesses must be 5 years of age – 9 years old. If they are 10 years old they need to be entered into the Pre-Teen category

2. Contestants are required to pay a $50.00 entry fee made payable to Melissa Muirheid (not Illinois Festival Pageants). Princesses will have their sponsor name (whoever paid their entry fee) listed under their photo in our pageant program

3. Email a high-resolution, color headshot of your child to missillinoisfestival@gmail.com using a jpeg format. If you can properly scan a school photo that our printer can utilize, we will accept that as well

4. Contestant agrees to be interviewed on stage during the pageant and to appear in a nice dress

5. All contestants are required to help sell at least 35 - raffle tickets prior to the pageant date to help cover pageant expenses. Raffle will be held during the pageant. Winning ticket does not need to be present to win. Tickets are $1.00 each. Tickets will be mailed to you and are due back at the Final Friday Rehearsal

6. Fill out a Princess Emcee Card so our emcee can introduce your child on stage

7. Formal Wear Attire: Your daughter will model a dress that she might wear to church or Easter or a cute summer sundress. Your daughter does not need an expensive dress to participate in this pageant!!! She is beautiful because she is a little girl – not because of the outfit she is wearing. Pageant gowns, fancy dresses with sequins and rhinestones, tea-length gowns, floor-length gowns are NOT necessary for this pageant. No pants, hats, gloves, capes, trains or anything resembling bridal or bridesmaid attire! Hose are not necessary as sandals or dress shoes with socks are fine

8. Stage Escort: We prefer that your child walk on-stage unaccompanied but if they are extremely uncomfortable, we will have our current royalty act as a chaperone and help them on stage

9. No make-up allowed at this age level. Hair must be age appropriate

PRINCESS PROGRAM

AWARDS/PRIZE PACKAGE

Every Princess Wins – this is not a competition

Each princess will receive a rhinestone tiara & personalized trophy

SIDE AWARDS

Prettiest Smile Prettiest Hair Prettiest Eyes People’s Choice Sold Most Raffle Tickets

PRINCESS

INTRODUCTION CARD for Emcee to read on stage

Princess # _________ Pageant will assign number

Princess Name:

Age:

Hometown:

Parents:

Grade this fall:

School:

2021 Illinois Festival Pageant

CONSENT FORM

I hereby acknowledge that the personal data as shown on the entry form is correct; and that I have read and understand the Illinois Festival Pageant General Rules. I understand that the time, manner and method of conducting the Pageant are solely within the discretion of the Pageant Director and that the decision of the judges is final. I hereby agree to comply with all rules of the Illinois Festival Pageant. I agree to participate with good sportsmanship and respect for the Illinois Festival Pageant. If chosen as a titleholder, I agree to represent the Illinois Festival Pageant to the best of my abilities. The Illinois Festival Pageant expects equal treatment of all contestants regardless of ethnicity or race. Furthermore, I hereby grant permission to the Illinois Festival Pageant to use my photographs for publicity/promotional purposes in any and all media. Failure of the contestant and/or parents/guardians of the contestant to adhere to these guidelines will result in disqualification of the contestant from the pageant. All fees are non-refundable. Anything lost stolen or damaged during the pageant practices or the pageant is not the responsibility of the Pageant Director or the Illinois Festival Pageant. The Entrant and her parent or guardian hereby acknowledges that they have read the official rules and regulations and agrees to the following;

A. The Entrant and her parent or guardian has signed the bottom of this contract to acknowledge their understanding and compliance of these rules and regulations

B. Contestant agrees to abide by all of the rules of the Miss Illinois Festival Pageant now in effect or hereafter to be announced

Contestant’s Name: ______________________________ Date of Birth: _____ _____ _____

Address: _______________________________________________

City: _______________________ Zip: _____________________ Cell: ___________________________

Parents Name(s) ________________________________ Parents Cell: _________________________

Parent’s Address: ___________________________________________________________________(If different than contestants)

Email: ____________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________Contestant’s Signature/Date

_____________________________________________________Parent/Guardian’s Signature/Date if contestant is under 18 years

*Entry Form must be signed by the Contestant to be officially entered in the Pageant*

If Contestant is under 18 years of age, the entry form must be signed by a parent/guardian to be officially entered in the pageant

Studio 131 Photography2060 Timberbrook Drive, Suite 3

Springfield, Il 62702(217) 585-9189

www.studio131photo.com

ILLINOIS FESTIVAL PAGEANTS Portraits to be taken the day of the pageant

Make checks payable to Studio 131Cash __________ Check # __________

We accept all major credit cards:Card number: ______________________________________ Exp. Date:

_________________ Code from back: __________

Contestant # ________

Contestant Name_______________________________________________________________________________________ Queen Junior Miss Pre Teen Princess (circle one)

Address_______________________________________________________________________________________

City/Zip ______________________________________________________________________________________

Phone (217) __________________________

________ One DVD with a copy of ALL images taken during the pageant, $35.00

________ One USB drive with a copy of ALL images taken during the pageant, $35.00

Prints will be mailed within one week after pageant. Candid photos from the pageant will be available for viewing and purchase via our web site one week after the pageant: www.studio131photo.com

DECATUR, IL - HERALD & REVIEW NEWSPAPER FORM (CIRCLE ONE DIVISION)

Queen Junior Miss Pre Teen Princess

Name of Contestant:

Pageant Sponsor Name:

Age:

Parents Names:

Hometown:

Name of School:

Year you will be attending in the fall:

Name of College:

Year you will be attending in the fall:

Major / Minor:

Happy Ads

$10.00 each / Payable to Melissa Muirheid No Limit

A positive way to encourage your contestant!These ads will be listed in our full color program

Contestant Name: _______________________ ____ Queen____ Junior Miss____ Pre Teen____ Princess

Example: Good Luck Jalynn!We love you!Mom & Dad

Happy Ad:

Contestant Name: ___________________________________________________________________

C H E C K L I S T

Entry Fees payable to Melissa Muirheid (not Illinois Festival Pageant) Queen Division $125 Junior Miss Division $100 Pre-Teen Division $75 Princess Program $50

Your Height: _______ Your Sponsor (include town/city) _______________________________________________

REQUIRED / Email to missillinoisfestival@gmail.com

Entry Form/Bio Consent Form Headshot in hi-res jpeg format all age groups except Princess who can send me a photo

to scan into the program if necessary but really prefer hi-resolution jpeg picture Decatur, IL - Herald & Review Newspaper Form 35 Raffle Tickets (will mail prior and due at Friday night’s Final Rehearsal) Princess Emcee Form

Optional / Email to missillinoisfestival@gmail.com

Business ads for program Happy ads for program Photographer Package Order Sheet (pay Studio 131 with a check or CC on photo form) Volunteer Page for Judges during interview

U.S. MAIL PayPal is: muirheidfarms@gmail.com

Melissa Muirheid (use friends/family to avoid PayPal fees)

1913 N. Illini Rd Venmo is: Melissa Muirheid

Oakley, IL 62501 Email is: missillinoisfestival@gmail.com

(217) 855-6399 (text preferred) My home email is: muirheidfarms@gmail.com

I use home email so I can print