Although Mantachie Fest doesn't actually kick off until Sept. 18, the fest's annual beauty pageant will be staged a week early.

The 14th Annual Miss Fest Pageant will be held Saturday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. in the Mantachie High School gymnasium. The pageant will be open to girls of any age, who will compete in eight separate divisions. Prizes include monogrammed banners and trophies. The overall winner will also receive a $25 gift certificate for use in the Barnes Crossing Mall in Tupelo.

The winner of each division will also receive a spot of honor during the town's annual Christmas parade.

Age divisions for the pageant include 0-12 months, 13-23 months, 2-3 years, 4-6 years, 7-9 years, 10-12 years, 13-15 years and 16 years and up. Prizes will be awarded in each division.

Registration on the day of the event will be open from 5 p.m. until 5:45 p.m.

Those wishing to enter the photogenic portion of the pageant must present a photograph to the registration table by 5:45 p.m. Photographs may be either color or black and white, and sizes up to 8x10 will be accepted, although the judges ask that photos not be framed.

Registration for the event is $25 for the beauty pageant and an additional $5 for the photogenic competition. Those who pre-register by Sept. 6 will save $5 off the cost of entry.

Entrants can pick up registration forms at Mantachie Town Hall.

All proceeds from the pageant will go to support the annual Mantachie Fest event, which itself is supporting the Houston RCDC this year.

The pageant has continued to be a big draw for the residents of Mantachie and its surrounding areas. According to Karen Burns, Mantachie Fest committee member and head of this year's Miss Fest Pageant, last year's event brought in more than 50 contestants.

"We usually have a really big turnout for the pageant," she said. "It's a lot of fun and people seem to love it."

For more information about this year's Miss Fest Pageant, call 662-255-1567 or 662-231-3462.

Annual 5K run

As part of the annual Mantachie Fest celebration, the town will host its annual 5K run on Saturday, Sept. 18, beginning at 8 a.m. at the Mantachie walking track behind the school.

The run will take participants across Highway 363 to Shiloh Road and back to the walking track again. It's reportedly a tough run, with lots of uphill climbing along the way.

Registration for the run is $20 prior to Sept. 8, and $25 after. Those who wish to register can visit Mantachie Clinic to drop off their entrance fee.

School athletes will be able to participate for only $10, so all local athletes are encouraged to join the race.

For more information, call 662-255-1567.

Adam Armour can be reached at 862-3141, by e-mailing adam.armour@itawamba360.com or by visiting his blog at itawamba360.com.