Miss Hibiscus Pageant preview set for Feb. 26

A very special part of the 2012 Hibiscus Festival is the Miss Hibiscus Pageant, April 13 at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Center in Downtown Vero Beach.

To recruit contestants, the Miss Hibiscus Committee is hosting a Pageant Preview. All interested young women who are residents of Indian River County between the ages of 15-19 are invited to this event, beginning at 2 p.m. on Feb. 26 at the Heritage Center, 2140 14th Ave. in Downtown Vero Beach.

Dillard’s will be presenting a Teen Fashion Show showcasing the latest trends.

Prospective candidates will have the opportunity to learn dos and don’ts of hair, makeup, speech, poise and dress. Tips for dressing for success, communication coaching and what pageant judges look for during the pageant’s interview process will be shared by the Miss Hibiscus Pageant Committee. Applications will be available at the event and at Dillard’s after Feb. 26 as well as posted online.

The Miss Hibiscus committee and previous contestants will be on hand to answer questions about the application process. Deadline for 2012 pageant registration is March 28.

The winner of the Miss Hibiscus Pageant receives a grand prize of $1,000 cash and as well as gifts from local businesses. Second place winner will earn $500 cash plus prizes and third place will win $300 cash plus prizes.

Awards will be given to “Miss Congeniality” and “Miss Photogenic.”

Community sponsors include Ocean Oaks Dental Group; Kim Hubbard, Owner of The Color Experience; Makeup Artist Cindy Goetz; Mary Kay Cosmetics; and Dillard’s. The Hibiscus Festival is presented by Main Street Vero Beach.

For more information visit www.HibiscusFestival.org or contact Elizabeth Graves Bass at (772) 778-8800 or gravesbass@bellsouth.net or Cathie Callery at cciceskater@aol.com.

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