Submitted Photo Some of the winners from previous pageants are, from left to right, Naomi Mosley, Pre-Teen Our Little Miss Worlds Universal Beauty; Alissa Myers, North Dakota Our Little Miss Preliminary director; Allie Braaten, Pre-Teen Our Little Miss Worlds Universal Princess and North Dakota Princess; and Isabella Utley, Pre-Teen Rocky Mountain Regional and Pre-Teen Our Little Miss Billings Universal Beauty.

The Little Miss Pageant celebrates individuality and character rather than focusing on materialist things.

The pageant will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Taube Museum of Art in MInot. During this time the contestants will work with experienced women who have competed in pageants in the past as well as other volunteers.

There are three categories for the pageant that focus on talent, character and personality.

“The first stage will be an interview that is done off stage. We want the girls to be comfortable so we have just a regular conversation rather than an interview” said Alissa Myers, North Dakota Our Little Miss Preliminary director

“The second stage is our party dress which is going to the formal dressed category. The third category is talent, which is only ages 7 to 20, in which they can showcase any talent. I have had girls bring in art work and show that on stage for their talent portion of the competition, ” Myers said.

“And lastly we have an optional category called outfit of choice. This year our theme is “Barbie.” The girls can get really creative here as they could dress up as a certain Barbie, such as a Barbie career doll.” Myers said.

Myers commented on the impact the girls and the competition have had on her. “They were very nervous, so I asked if I could give them a hug. One girl hugged me like seven times. She just would not let me go. I just remember thinking this is why I do what I do.” she said.