Lewisburg’s first parade of the year ushers in a new reign for the WV Shanghai Parade Queen and her royalty. This year the pageant seeks to expand the royal court and the opportunities for its chosen members. Spectators and competitors are invited to partake in the crowning of this year’s royalty at the 2017 WV Shanghai Parade Pageants.

Slated for Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Greenbrier County Public Library, the pageant will be divided into two sessions for our younger and older contestants. The children’s pageant is back in full swing and will kick off the day at 2 p.m. Age divisions for the children’s pageant are Baby Miss (newborn-1), Tiny Miss (2-3), Little Miss (4-6), and Junior Miss (7-9). The main event will follow at 6 p.m. and will end with the crowning of the 2017 WV Shanghai Parade Queen. Evening pageant age divisions are Pre-Teen (10-12), Teen (13-15), and Queen (16-21).

Each new reigning Queen is provided an educational scholarship, handsome prize package, and the opportunity to further her title at the West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals Pageant in Charleston. Other age division winners and runners-up will receive abundant prize packages and opportunities to accompany the Queen at local and statewide events. Prize packages and pageant sponsorships are generously donated by various businesses in the Greenbrier Valley and beyond.

Contestants wishing to participate in the 2017 pageant on Oct. 7 may apply online, by e-mail, or by mail. Mailed applications must be postmarked by Sept. 30 and online/e-mail applications must be submitted by Oct. 2. Visit the WV Shanghai Parade Pageants Facebook page or e-mail wvshanghaiparadepageants@gmail.com for more information or to find out how to become a sponsor.