The end of an era – Low participation forces cancellation of Festival Pageant

They say that all good things come to an end. For the North Royalton Festival Pageant, that is true, unfortunately. The Festival Pageant did not draw enough contestants to fill the court, and the difficult decision was made to suspend the event.
For many years the beauty pageant was a vibrant event that drew dozens of young ladies and little boys to vie for the title of Miss, Princess, Sweetheart, Little Miss and Little Prince North Royalton. It was an exciting time, getting ready for the big day, appearing on stage and talking with the judges in hopes they would be chosen for their respective titles.
Over the past several years, however, the number of entries dropped year after year. In checking with other communities, we learned that we were not alone. The Brecksville pageant was dropped about three years ago and last year the Brunswick Summer Celebration Court was put on hiatus. Even the Miss America Pageant recently went through some major changes.
We thank the wonderful girls and boys who participated in the Festival Pageant over the years, representing our city as young ambassadors. They were such assets to the festival and added so much pizzazz to the parade. They also visited nursing homes, did projects for veterans, participated in ribbon cuttings, as well as many other activities.
We wish them much success in their futures, which we know will be bright.

PHOTO CAPTION:  The 2017 Festival Pageant winners are finishing up a year of service as young ambassadors in our city.  Congratulations to them and all past pageant winners. Back row: Princess 2nd runnerup Ashley Workman, Miss NR 1st runner-up Emily Sprunger, Mr NR Curtis Sprunger, Miss NR Megan Jean Blem, Princess Elena Hornik, Princess 1st runner-up Claire Casey, Sweetheart 1st runner-up Taylor Jacubenta. Front row: Little Miss Brooke Pudelski, Little Miss 2nd runner-up Sophia Koukios, Little Miss 1st runner-up Victoria Jacubenta, Sweetheart Abigail Deal, Sweetheart 2nd runner-up Corlyn Stauffer, Little Prince William Thresher, and Little Prince 1st runner-up Carson Evangelista.