Editor’s note: The Webster Parish Journal will be running bios for each participant competing for Miss Minden, Miss Spirit of Fasching, Miss Minden Outstanding Teen, Miss Spirit of Fasching Outstanding Teen and Miss Heart of Minden.
By Paige Nash
Mark your calendars for the 71st Annual Miss Minden Scholarship Competition hosted by the Young Women’s Service Club (YWSC) of Minden. This year the pageant has moved up a couple of months. Instead of it being held at the usual time during the month of January, it will be taking place this coming November 11, 2023.
“The pageant was originally held in November and moved to January during the Covid pandemic. We decided to move it back to November so more people could participate,” said YWSC President Elizabeth Campbell. “January is a tough time for most parents just coming off the holidays. Being back in November alleviates some of that but it also allows us to help kick off the holiday season.”
Along with an earlier date for the pageant, other changes can be expected this year.
The event is also changing venues. The YWSC has made the decision to move it from the previous location at the Minden Civic Center back to the Minden High School auditorium.
“Pageant location has changed throughout the years however, due to the cost of the Civic Center in comparison to the Minden High Auditorium, we decided to spend the money that was for the Civic Center into better rewards and a better presentation for those that attend,” said Campbell.
Another exciting change will be a new title – Miss Heart of Minden.
“This is open to Webster Parish residents/students from ages 15-18. This is the same age category as our Miss Outstanding Teen that competes in the night pageant,” said Campbell. “Miss Heart of Minden will compete in formal wear only. This is strictly a title for Minden and does not continue her competition in the Miss America Pageant scene.”
According to Campbell this title was created for older girls who would like to compete locally, but do not wish to compete within the Miss America Program. The winner of this title will primarily be the face of the YWSC at local events throughout the year. They will receive a cash award.
In previous years, the titles Miss Minden, Miss Spirit of Fasching, Miss Minden Outstanding Teen and Miss Spirit of Fasching Outstanding Teen were awarded. Those titles will remain in place and the winners will have the opportunity to compete in Miss Louisiana to take place in Monroe early next year.
The Little Miss Program (ages newborn to 14) will take place the morning of November 11 at 10 a.m., along with the new Miss Heart of Minden competition (ages 15 – 18) followed by Miss Minden including Miss Minden, Miss Spirit of Fasching, Miss Minden Outstanding Teen and Miss Spirit of Fasching Outstanding Teen Competition (ages 15-18) that evening at 7 p.m.
Forms for both pageants must be submitted no later than Friday, November 3rd at 6pm.
Miss Minden is a closed competition, meaning that no one located outside of Minden can compete for the title.
Campbell said, “In order to keep that title closed, we must have five girls registered with all paperwork submitted by October 20, 2023. If we are unable to secure five girls by that date, Miss Minden will become an open pageant to anyone located within Louisiana.”
To register, please click the following link: https://form.jotform.com/ywscofminden/littlemissmindenregistration
