Miss Dogwood Volunteer Participant

The Dogwood Festival Pageant is more than a showcase of beauty and talent — it’s a celebration of character, service, and community spirit. Open to participants ages 5 to 26 and 50 years and above, this event encourages individuals to shine on stage while making a meaningful impact offstage.

In partnership with the Miss Volunteer America pageant circuit, our program emphasizes education, volunteerism, and personal growth. Contestants will have opportunities to engage in community service projects leading up to the pageant, reinforcing the importance of giving back and building a stronger, more connected Fayetteville.

This is your chance to step into the spotlight, represent your community with pride, and be a part of something that truly makes a difference.

Every applicant is required to complete 30 hours of community service prior to April 1st, 2026. We will have several volunteer opportunities for everyone to participate in. If you take pictures of you volunteering, please send it to Info@thedogwoodfestival.com, so we can add it to your profile.

Please note that participants ages 12 and under MUST be all natural (no artificial enhancements). Participants ages 13-18 MUST be semi-glitz OR natural (minimal artificial enhancements and light make up)

Applicable to all contestants ages 5–26 and 50+

By submitting an application and participating in the Dogwood Festival Pageant, all participants and, where applicable, their parent(s)/guardian(s) agree to the following terms and conditions:

 
1. Eligibility
Contestants must be between the ages of 5 and 26 or 50 years and above as of the pageant date.
Contestants must complete the application in full, including all required signatures and documentation.
Contestants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian’s consent to participate.
 
2. Attendance Requirement
All contestants are required to attend all mandatory pageant-related events, including but not limited to:

Orientation and rehearsals
Community service or volunteer activities
Interview sessions
The final pageant event
Failure to attend any required event may result in disqualification and forfeiture of any titles, awards, or participation benefits.
 
3. Program Fee & Refund Policy
A non-refundable program fee of $300.00 is due upon acceptance into the pageant.
This fee covers participation, pageant materials, event programming, and administrative costs.
No portion of this fee will be refunded, regardless of withdrawal, disqualification, scheduling conflicts, or inability to attend events.
 
4. Code of Conduct
Contestants are expected to conduct themselves with respect, kindness, and integrity at all times.
Bullying, harassment, disruptive behavior, or conduct deemed inappropriate by pageant organizers may result in disqualification.
All costumes, attire, and talent routines must be age-appropriate and family-friendly.
 
5. Parent/Guardian Conduct (for minors)
Parents/guardians must behave in a supportive and respectful manner during all events.
Any inappropriate or aggressive conduct by a parent or guardian may result in the contestant’s removal from the competition.
 
6. Photo and Media Release
Contestants (and their parent/guardian, if under 18) must sign the Photo Release Waiver allowing use of their image and likeness for promotional and archival purposes by The Dogwood Festival, Inc.
 
7. Awards & Titles
Winners will be selected based on a combination of performance, poise, talent, community involvement, and interview scores.
All decisions by the judging panel are final.
Titleholders may be asked to attend select community events throughout the year as ambassadors of the Dogwood Festival Pageant.
 
8. Liability Waiver
The Dogwood Festival, Inc. is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items.
All participants and their families agree to release The Dogwood Festival, Inc. and its affiliates from any claims of injury, loss, or damages during pageant-related activities.
 
9. Agreement
By submitting this application, I confirm that I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the Dogwood Festival Pageant Terms and Conditions. I understand that non-compliance may result in disqualification without refund.

Refund & Weather Policy:Refunds will only be issued if the entire event is canceled.
This is a rain or shine event. No refunds will be given due to weather-related decisions made by the vendor.
The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival reserves the right to issue refunds on a case-by-case basis, but no refunds will be processed without direct discussion with the event organizer.