The Central Alabama Fair Pageant is a tradition for some local families, and so far, more than 40 girls have signed up for their chance to take the stage.

With the contest being only a little over a month away, director Tracie Haskell is urging all girls wanting to compete to turn in their registration forms by the Monday, Aug. 31 deadline.

Haskell said participants can mail the registration forms to the address on the form, or call one of the directors to set up a time to drop off the forms in person.

“It’s kind of been a slow start, but they usually hit the last minute,” Haskell said. “It is very possible that we will extend the deadline if somebody contacts us personally.”

Haskell said the pageant is a good way for girls to meet one another and develop friendships outside of school. But for her, it’s just a fun way of getting to know more people in the community and help the girls have fun.

“Every year, its just exciting,” Haskell said. “It’s a different experience and you get to meet new girls all the time.”

There will be six age groups for contestants, which range in age from 3 to 21.

The different categories are Tiny Miss (3- to 4-year-olds), Little Miss (5- to 6-year-olds), Petite Miss (7- to 9-year-olds), Young Miss (10- to 12-year-olds), Junior Miss (13- to 16-year-olds) and Miss Central Alabama Fair (17- to 21-year-olds).

The pageants will take place Oct. 5, 6 and 10 at the Central Alabama Fair grounds.

Registration is $65 and forms can be found online at www.centralalabamafair.com. For more information, call Tracie Haskell at 875-7327, Rachel Graham at 419-5318 or Joy Haskell at 412-3030.