The Central Alabama Fair Pageant is coming up soon, and now is the time to get in the applications for those wanting a chance at the crown.

Lynn Haskell, director of the pageant, said the deadline to apply for all ages is Aug. 25. She has received some applications for all divisions, but there is still room in each, and the fair can take up to 25 for each category.

“We’re really excited about it. It’s a time where all of the girls have a chance to meet other girls from all over the central Alabama region,” Haskell said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to not only have fun, but to make new friends and of course all of the girls are there to compete and are there to win. They say that competing boosts their confidence and their self-esteem.”

Kendra Angion, a senior at Dallas County High School, was the 2016 Miss Central Alabama Fair winner, and she said she strongly encourages any girl interested to compete.

“I would tell them that’s it’s a great experience whether you win or not because you meet new people, and it’s just something different,” Angion said. “It was a very good experience meeting all the new girls and bonding during practices, and it was real nice being queen of the fair pageant.”

Angion said she didn’t have any idea that she was going to walk away with the crown last year, but she was excited when they called her name.

“I was very excited, and I was very surprised,” Angion said. “I was working hard for the pageant with practicing and everything, but I was still surprised that I actually won.”

Angion said besides meeting new people and becoming friends with girls from all over the area, her favorite part was getting to talk on stage.

“My favorite part was the question because it gives you a chance to voice your opinions about current events,” Angion said.

For the younger ages, Haskell said they just enjoy showing out for their parents and friends.

“Our little girls, they just really have fun with it,” Haskell said. “They love getting out there and smiling and waving at their parents and their friends and doing their walk to the different music.”

Haskell said applications can be found at www.centralalabamafair.com and news about the pageant and the fair can be found on Facebook at Central Alabama Fair.