Entries open for Apple Blossom pageant

Contestants can now sign up for next month's annual Apple Blossom pageant.

The event begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, at the Missouri Theater. Girls ages 7 through 19 can sign up at www.appleblossomparade.com under the "royalty pageant" tab.

There are categories for princess (ages 7 through 10), junior queen (ages 11 through 14) and queen (ages 15 through 19). Entries for princess are $35, junior queen costs $45 and queen has a $55 fee. Requirements for the competitions are explained on the website. 

Winners in each category will receive cash prizes, crowns and professional photos. The winners and their attendants also will ride in the Apple Blossom parade on Saturday, May 3.

Pageant rehearsals begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 28. The princess pageant starts at 6 p.m. on March 29, with the junior queen group following 10 minutes after it concludes and the queen pageant 10 minutes after that ends.  

Details on the Apple Blossom parade, including float entry information, also are available on the website.