Featured photo: London Bridge Days Parade attendees. (L–R): 2025 Lake Havasu City Cinderella Teen Faith Pearson, Miniature Miss Kilee Upton, Cinderella Tot Quinn LeVasseur, and Cinderella Miss Sara Reynolds. Photo courtesy of Pageant Director Holly Skelton.
LAKE HAVASU CITY — Created for more than just beauty, Cinderella pageants exist all around the United States. Lake Havasu’s Cinderella Pageant will be returning this month for their yearly contest.
For over twenty years, the contests have brightened the spirits and dreams of young girls within our community. Ages 0 to 29 are eligible to compete and broken down into three categories. Competitors under three years of age will have a parent with them onstage for the show. For ages 3 to 6, the girls are judged on personality and stage presence.
Ages 7 to 29 are required to complete onstage interviews by sharing future goals and hobbies. The age range must also participate in showing off their personal style through casual wear and evening gowns. They will also be judged on poise, elegance, public speaking, and unique talents. Pageant Director of the Havasu contestants Holly Skelton says that within her two years in the role, she has seen some very creative talents from previous competitions.
“I’ve seen hula hoops, gymnastics, speed painting, singing, dancing, and even cake decorating. It’s just so incredible to see the amount of talents these young ladies have,” Skelton said. The good news is that all candidates get a crown and at the conclusion of the contest are eligible to compete at the state level in Phoenix, Arizona.
However, the overall winner gets the opportunity to fulfill royal duties for one year by assisting with organizing the pageant for the following year as well as modeling her crown at the annual London Bridge Parade. For the days leading up to the event, the youth organization will be hosting free beauty pageant workshops for those interested in learning more about joining the competitions.
The Requirements of contestants are as follows. Competitors must live in Lake Havasu, be between the ages of 0 to 29, and be female. More details about the workshops can be answered by calling or texting Holly Skelton at 928-486-3284. Spectator fees wanting to attend and view the pageant is just $ 5.00. Food and drink for purchase will also be available. The Lake Havasu Cinderella Pageant will take place on Sunday January 25 beginning at 12pm at the London Bridge Convention Center at 1477 Queens Bay.
Aside from the glitter and glamour that surrounds the event, Skelton emphasizes the empowering positive impact that the competitions bring. “It really is an amazing program that teaches skills in personal growth, obtaining scholarships, self esteem, and sisterhood. It’s also an amazing youth development program,” Skelton said.
