By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

This year’s YMCA pageant registration deadline is Aug. 1.

Julie Bentley of the YMCA of Chilton County pageant said a photogenic contest and Miss YMCA pageant will be held. The photogenic contest is open to ages zero to 18. Pageant categories include: Tiny (ages 4-6), Little (ages 7-9), Young (ages 10-12), Junior (ages 13-15) and Miss (ages 16-18).

Contestants will model formal wear.

“The queens will spend a year promoting the YMCA,” Bentley said.

Queens will also receive a one-year membership to the YMCA.

One unique aspect of the pageant is contestants will receive written feedback from the judges.

“It’s a learning experience for the girls,” Bentley said. “Even if they don’t win, they at least get some feedback.”

As a pageant boot camp instructor, Bentley said this feedback can be helpful for the girls that go on to compete in pageants offering scholarships.

Registration can be completed at the YMCA of Chilton County at 405 Ollie Avenue in Clanton.

The YMCA pageant will be held on Aug. 19 at 4 p.m.