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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The Pelham Day of Pageants, an opportunity for young girls in the area to enter into the world of beauty pageants, has been scheduled for Saturday, March 8.

The event serves as a fundraiser for the Pelham High School varsity and junior varsity cheer program. The day of pageants will feature dozens of participants from Pelham Oaks, Pelham Ridge and Pelham Park Middle, along with homeschool students in the area. Anna Mann, a former winner and the 2024 Miss PHS winner, will serve as master of ceremonies of the event.

Tracy Wood Franklin, the president of the Pelham High School Cheer Boosters, gave background on the history of the event.

“Pelham Day of Pageants began as a fundraiser for Valley Elementary School when we were part of Shelby County,” Franklin said. “When Pelham formed its own school district we wanted to keep the pageant going so Pelham High School Cheer Boosters took it on.”

Franklin believes that it is a joy to watch the girls in the pageant grow throughout the course of the event.

“I always love seeing girls who participate in the pageant,” Franklin said. “First year participants are always a joy, but I really love to see how girls’ confidence grows as they compete year after year. It’s also rewarding and fun to see new friendships growing backstage.”

Furthermore, the contributions from the Pelham community to the event are integral to its success.

“This pageant would not be a success without our community,” Franklin said. “The cheerleaders run the pageant with their parents to support them but it is truly the parents who allow their girls to participate and everyone who comes to watch who make it a success.”

The proceeds from the pageant are used to fund pregame meals for the cheerleaders as well as travel for the team. The theme of this year’s event is a surprise, according to Franklin.

The fervor for the event, according to Franklin, has made it an integral part of the Pelham community.

“PDP has become a community staple in Pelham,” Franklin said. “Young girls start asking at cheer camp each year when the pageant will be. The pageant is an opportunity for elementary and middle school girls to dress up and show off. Most other events for younger students involve a sport and a longer commitment. The pageant allows the girls to participate in a fun event without a long-term commitment from parents.”

Finally, Franklin gave some advice to young participants preparing for their first pageant.

“Be confident and have fun,” Franklin said. “This is supposed to be a fun chance to wear a beautiful dress and have your hair done in a glamorous style.”

For more information on the Pelham Day of Pageants, visit Facebook.com/PDPageants.