Excitement Builds for Covered Bridge Days Pageant in Elizabethton

Excitement Brews for Covered Bridge Days Pageant in Elizabethton

Elizabethton is gearing up for a cherished autumn tradition that promises fun, fashion, and community spirit. The **”Miss & Mr. Covered Bridge Days”** pageant is officially set for Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, providing residents with a delightful opportunity to showcase their seasonal style.

Located at the scenic Elk Avenue Bridge entertainment area, which overlooks the town’s historic covered bridge, the event will kick off at 11 a.m., with registration beginning at 10 a.m. and closing promptly at 10:50 a.m. Participating in this exciting festivity comes at a modest entry fee of $25.

Amy Simmons, the event’s enthusiastic director, expressed her delight in spearheading the pageant. **”I am proud to say that the Miss & Mr. Covered Bridge Days pageant royally escorts autumn into our community,”** she enthused.

The competition will see the crowning of seven queens and six kings across various age divisions, ensuring that participants of all ages feel celebrated. Each contestant will walk away with both a crown and a sash, a fitting testament to their participation and spirit. Here are the age divisions for the event:

• Birth to age 2
• Ages 3-5
• Ages 6-10
• Ages 11-15
• Ages 16-20
• Ages 21-49
• Ages 50 and up

This year’s theme, **”Fall Fun,”** encourages contestants to don attire that embodies the vibrant hues and charm of the autumn season. Whether dressed casually, semi-formally, or in full formal regalia, participants will have the chance to show off their chosen outfits to the judges and audience.

The pageant is beautifully brought to life through a collaboration between Simmons, who also holds the title of **”World’s Classic Ms. Tourism,”** and the Elizabethton Parks & Rec Department. Judges, staff, and assistants will include a mix of local and national title holders as well as community business owners, ensuring a well-rounded and fair evaluation.

**”It is such an honor to direct the official pageant of Covered Bridge Days,”** said Simmons. **”Seeing families participating together—moms, dads, brothers, and sisters—all competing on stage truly makes the event special. It’s heartwarming and exciting to witness the pageant grow each year.”**

For those interested in participating, entry is simple. Text 540-392-9138 with your name, age, and email. While entry forms will also be available onsite during check-in, early registration is encouraged to secure a spot on the official list. In the event of inclement weather, the festivities will move to the Elizabethton Parks & Rec Stage located at 300 Mill St. For additional information, potential contestants can reach out via email at dixiedream5678@aol.com.

As Elizabethton’s residents prepare for this annual celebration, the anticipation is palpable. By bringing together community members of all ages to celebrate the advent of autumn, the **”Miss & Mr. Covered Bridge Days”** pageant solidifies its place as a charming tradition that accentuates the vibrant community spirit of this historic town.

In other news, local residents have much to look forward to. From East Tennessee State University launching a podcast focused on civility and citizenship, to the Class of 1969 holding their 55th reunion picnic, and Stryper gearing up for their 40th Anniversary Tour at the Niswonger Center, there’s no shortage of activities to brighten the days ahead. Additionally, Governor Lee has announced new GIVE grants aimed at bolstering rural workforce development, a promising step for the community’s future.

The lead-up to these events is buzzing with excitement, affirming that Elizabethton remains a dynamic and close-knit community brimming with opportunities for celebration and growth. As residents mark their calendars for Sept. 21, the anticipation for an unforgettable **”Miss & Mr. Covered Bridge Days”** pageant continues to build, promising a day loaded with elegance, joy, and fond memories.