San Joaquin Asparagus Festival Pageant Application

Dear Pageant Contestants,

WELCOME! We are excited to invite you to participate in the annual San Joaquin Asparagus Festival Pageant Program. You have the exciting opportunity to be the one of the five "Queens of the Festival" and represent one of the most prestigious community events in the Central Valley region, the San Joaquin Asparagus Festival, which will be held April 24 - April 26, 2026 at the San Joaquin Country Fairgrounds in Stockton, California. 

Basic Info: (please refer to Terms & Conditions below for complete rules)

1. GENERAL ELIGIBILITY
   1. Eligibility: The San Joaquin Asparagus Festival Pageant Program is open to female contestants only.
   2. Residency Requirement: Contestants must reside, work, or attend school within one of the following California counties: Alameda, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Shasta, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Tuolumne, Yolo, Yuba.
2. AGE REQUIREMENTS AND DIVISIONS
   1. All age determinations are based on the contestant’s age as of April 1, 2026.
   2. The Scholarship Pageant is open only to contestants ages 13–18. Contestants age 19 and older, regardless of marital or maternal status, must compete in the Jubilee Pageant. Ages 12 and under participate in the non-competitive Prince & Princess Showcase.
   3. Scholarship Pageant Divisions
      1. Teen Miss Asparagus Festival: Ages 13–15
      2. Miss Asparagus Festival: Ages 16–18; Contestants must be unmarried and without children.
   4. Jubilee Pageant Divisions
      1. Ms. Asparagus Festival: ages 19–29
      2. Elite Ms. Asparagus Festival: ages 30–49
      3. Classic Ms. Asparagus Festival: ages 50 and better
3. APPLICATION AND ENTRY
   1. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Entry fees are not charged until an application has been accepted by Pageant Directors.
      1. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
      2. Applications must be submitted online by the published deadline.
      3. Incomplete or late applications may not be accepted.
      4. Upon acceptance, a seventy five dollar ($75) entry fee is required to confirm participation.
      5. Entry fees are non-refundable once an application has been accepted.
      6. The Pageant Committee reserves the right to reject individual entries, limit total number of entries or adjust divisions based on participation levels.
4. REQUIRED PARTICIPATION AND DEADLINES
   1. All contestants are required to meet deadlines and attend mandatory events listed in the official Pageant Guide for their division, which may include:
      1. Application and entry fee submission
      2. Pageant orientation or workshop
      3. Pageant bio and headshot submission
      4. Rehearsal
      5. Pageant competition day
      6. Festival appearances as outlined for new royalty
5. PHASES OF COMPETITION
   1. Contestants will be scored in four phases of competition. Scores are compiled and applied using the following weights toward the overall score.
      1. On-Stage Interview 40%
      2. Speech 35%
      3. Fun Fashion 15%
      4. Formal Wear 10%
6. OPTIONAL CONTESTS
   1. Participation in optional contests is voluntary and open to both Scholarship and Jubilee contestants. Judging is conducted by separate panel(s) of judges. Optional award results do not impact overall pageant rankings.
   2. Academic Achievement, no additional fee
   3. Volunteer Service, no additional fee
   4. Photogenic, no additional fee
   5. Talent, $25 additional fee per entry
7. TITLES AND PRIZES
   1. Scholarship Pageant Titles 
      1. Teen Miss San Joaquin Asparagus Festival and two-hundred-fifty-dollar ($250) cash scholarship
      2. Miss San Joaquin Asparagus Festival and one-thousand-dollar ($1,000) cash scholarship

   2. Jubilee Pageant Ttiles

      1. Ms. Asparagus Festival

          

      2. Elite Ms. Asparagus Festival

          

      3. Classic Ms. Asparagus Festival

   3. Titles also include crown OR tiara, sash, flowers and additional prizes as announced.
   4. Scholarships are awarded upon successful completion of the titleholder’s reign.

Please carefully review the Terms and Conditions below as they are the official rules and regulations for this program. Please make sure that you review the official Pageant Guide for your age division linked below for in-depth information and helpful tips for success in our program.

We look forward to working with you this year!

In the family spirit of pageantry,

Shim Lacy

Pageant/Princess Coordinator

Phone/Text: (209) 518-3915

Email: ShimLacy@gmail.com

SAN JOAQUIN ASPARAGUS FESTIVAL PAGEANT PROGRAM

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Participation in the San Joaquin Asparagus Festival Pageant Program constitutes acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions. These Terms and Conditions apply to all contestants, parents, guardians, and titleholders unless otherwise specified.

The San Joaquin Asparagus Festival Pageant Program is designed to celebrate confidence, character, community representation, and volunteer service. All participants are expected to represent the program with integrity, respect, and kindness.

1.    GENERAL ELIGIBILITY

A.   Eligibility: The San Joaquin Asparagus Festival Pageant Program is open to female contestants only.

B.   Residency Requirement: Contestants must reside, work, or attend school within one of the following California counties: Alameda, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Santa Clara, Shasta, Solano, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Tuolumne, Yolo, Yuba.

2.    AGE REQUIREMENTS AND DIVISIONS

A.   All age determinations are based on the contestant’s age as of April 1, 2026.

B.   The Scholarship Pageant is open only to contestants ages 13–18. Contestants age 19 and older, regardless of marital or maternal status, must compete in the Jubilee Pageant. Ages 12 and under participate in the non-competitive Prince & Princess Showcase.

C.   Scholarship Pageant Divisions

              I.        Teen Miss Asparagus Festival: Ages 13–15

            II.        Miss Asparagus Festival: Ages 16–18; Contestants must be unmarried and without children.

D.   Jubilee Pageant Divisions

              I.        Ms. Asparagus Festival: ages 19–29

             II.        Elite Ms. Asparagus Festival: ages 30–49

           III.        Classic Ms. Asparagus Festival: ages 50 and better

3.    APPLICATION AND ENTRY

A.    Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Entry fees are not charged until an application has been accepted by Pageant Directors.

              I.        Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

             II.        Applications must be submitted online by the published deadline.

           III.        Incomplete or late applications may not be accepted.

           IV.        Upon acceptance, a seventy five dollar ($75) entry fee is required to confirm participation.

            V.        Entry fees are non-refundable once an application has been accepted.

           VI.        The Pageant Committee reserves the right to reject individual entries, limit total number of entries or adjust divisions based on participation levels.

4.    REQUIRED PARTICIPATION AND DEADLINES

A.   All contestants are required to meet deadlines and attend mandatory events listed in the official Pageant Guide for their division, which may include:

              I.        Application and entry fee submission

             II.        Pageant orientation or workshop

           III.        Pageant bio and headshot submission

           IV.        Rehearsal

            V.        Pageant competition day

           VI.        Festival appearances as outlined for new royalty

B.   Failure to meet the deadlines required or attend mandatory events without prior approval from the Pageant Director may result in disqualification.

5.    PHASES OF COMPETITION AND SCORING

A.   Contestants will be scored in four phases of competition. Scores are compiled and applied using the following weights toward the overall score.

              I.        On Stage Interview, 40 percent.

Mock press interview conducted live on stage, immediately following the contestant’s Formal Wear walk. Contestants will remain in their Formal Wear attire for this phase. Judges evaluate authentic stage presence, verbal communication, mental alertness, thoughtful content, and expression of individual personality.

      II.        Speech, 35 percent.

Brief prepared speech while wearing their green themed Fun Fashion outfit. The speech occurs immediately before Fun Fashion modeling. The speech must incorporate specific elements listed in the official guide. Judges evaluate content, organization, delivery, articulation, confidence, stage presence, and the contestant’s ability to clearly communicate her message with poise and authenticity.

   III.        Fun Fashion, 15 percent.

Runway style modeling presentation intended to be natural, not glitz. Outfits must be age appropriate and feature the color green as a theme. Style may be casual, professional, or formal. Props are permitted with restrictions, including no messy items like confetti, glitter, or liquids, and props must be held at all times while on stage. Judges evaluate overall presentation, confidence, posture, movement, stage presence, creativity and appropriateness of outfit choice, effective use of the runway, and how well the contestant’s presentation reflects personality and theme.

      IV.        Formal Wear, 10 percent.

Runway style modeling presentation intended to be natural, not glitz. Outfit must be age appropriate, full length formal attire in any color of the contestant’s choosing and comply with modesty and style restrictions. Acceptable options include a floor length evening gown, or a formal tuxedo or pantsuit. Props including hats or gloves are not permitted in this phase. Judges evaluate elegance, confidence, posture, poise, movement, stage presence, and overall polish, with emphasis on how effectively the contestant presents herself with grace and professionalism.

B.   In the event of a tie, placements will be determined using the phase ranking order starting with highest percentage phase.

C.   Judges utilize a standardized scoring rubric of one to five (1 to 5) for each contestant. All judging decisions are final.

6.    OPTIONAL CONTESTS

A.   Participation in optional contests is voluntary and open to both Scholarship and Jubilee contestants. Judging is conducted by separate panel(s) of judges. Optional award results do not impact overall pageant rankings.

B.   Academic Achievement, no additional fee

                      I.        Recognizes commitment to education, personal growth, and academic effort. Submission requirements include an official transcript for current students, or proof of graduation for graduates, plus one letter of recommendation from an educational professional, not a parent, guardian, or family member.

C.   Volunteer Service, no additional fee

                      I.        Recognizes meaningful community service outside of school activities. Submission requirements include a volunteer resume, up to two pages, organized by organization, with details and an adult reference per organization, not a family member.

D.   Photogenic, no additional fee

                      I.        Recognizes confidence, personality, and effective self-presentation through photography. Based solely on the headshot submitted with the application.

E.    Talent, $25 additional fee per entry

                      I.        Recognizes personal development via creative expression and provides an opportunity to showcase a special skill or interest.

1)    All talent must be family friendly and approved in advance by the Pageant Director.

2)    Talent categories may include performing arts, artisan, or non-traditional talents as outlined in the Pageant Guide.

7.    TITLES AND PRIZES

A.   Scholarship Pageant Titles

              I.        Teen Miss San Joaquin Asparagus Festival and two-hundred-fifty-dollar ($250) cash scholarship

             II.        Miss San Joaquin Asparagus Festival and one-thousand-dollar ($1,000) cash scholarship

B.   Jubilee Pageant Awards

              I.        Ms. Asparagus Festival

             II.        Elite Ms. Asparagus Festival

           III.        Classic Ms. Asparagus Festival

C.   Awards also include crown or tiara, sash, flowers and additional prizes as announced.

D.   Scholarships are awarded upon successful completion of the titleholder’s reign.

8.    RUNNERS UP AND SUCCESSION

A.   When there are more than two contestants in an age division, the contestant with the second highest score in each division will be named First Runner-Up. Additional runners up may be named when applicable.

B.   If a titleholder is unable to fulfill her duties, the Pageant Directors may invite the First Runner-Up to assume the title at their discretion.

9.    RECOGNITION AND SPECIAL AWARDS

A.   Recognition awards may include Congeniality, Festival Spear-It, and Sunshine Award.

B.   Special awards may include Fun Fashion and People’s Choice.

C.   Recognition and special awards do not impact overall placement unless expressly stated.

10.  WARDROBE AND APPEARANCE

A.   Contestants are responsible for providing all required wardrobe items as outlined in the Pageant Guide.

B.   Wardrobe must be age appropriate, tasteful, and suitable for a family friendly audience.

C.   Crowns, tiaras, or regalia may not be worn during competition unless awarded by the program.

11.  BACKSTAGE ACCESS

A.   Backstage access is restricted to authorized personnel only. Parents and guests are not permitted backstage unless approved in advance or in the event of a medical emergency.

12.  MEDIA RELEASE

A.   Contestants grant permission for the use of their name, likeness, photographs, video, and audio recordings for promotional, marketing, fundraising, and archival purposes without compensation, in perpetuity.

13.  LIABILITY AND HOLD HARMLESS

A.   Contestants and parents or guardians agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless the San Joaquin Asparagus Festival, Pageant Committee, directors, staff, sponsors, and affiliated entities from any claims, injuries, losses, or damages arising from participation.

14.  REGALIA RESPONSIBILITY

A.   All awarded regalia is the responsibility of the titleholder. Lost, damaged, or stolen items may require replacement at the titleholder’s expense.

15.  CONDUCT AND ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

A.   The program maintains a zero-tolerance policy for behavior that reflects poorly on the San Joaquin Asparagus Festival or its mission.

B.   Smoking, alcohol, illegal substances, harassment, bullying, or conduct unbecoming of a contestant or titleholder may result in immediate disqualification and forfeiture of awards.

16.  FINAL AUTHORITY

A.   The Pageant Directors reserve the right to interpret, amend, and enforce these Terms and Conditions to protect the integrity, safety, and mission of the program.

CONTESTANT ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AGREEMENT

I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the San Joaquin Asparagus Festival Pageant Program Terms and Conditions.

I understand that failure to comply may result in disqualification or forfeiture of awards.

PARENT OR GUARDIAN ACKNOWLEDGMENT (MINORS ONLY)

I acknowledge that I am the parent or legal guardian of the above-named contestant. I consent to my child’s participation and agree to the Terms and Conditions on her behalf.