Winners will receive a beautiful crown, custom sash, and additional awards and gifts. Our participation fee is only $15 and should be paid online by May 15, which is the deadline for both registering and paying of the fee. Additional participants will be accepted through May 25, but with a $5 late filing fee. Participants may acquire sponsors to cover their fee or pay it themselves.

Two titles will be awarded in each age division, the 250th America River Rec Firecracker and the 2026 River Rec Firecracker. One runner up will be recognized in each age division when there are two contestants, or more than four. There are no residential requirements to participate in the pageant.

Contestants should choose this pageant based on what grade they are in by May 1st, the month prior to the event date.

Winners are required to participate in the upcoming Firecracker Festival Parade and the Gallipolis in Lights Christmas Parade. Our committee will provide a parade float for the Firecracker Festival Parade and winners are responsible for providing their own transportation for the Gallipolis in Lights Parade and any other events they attend. Winners may attend other area fairs and festivals at their leisure. All winners and court members are expected to show professional, positive, and good manners at any and all events and on any social media accounts. Winners are asked to wear a nice church-style outfit when making appearances or riding in parades.

Guest tickets for all family members and fans are required to watch the competition. Guest ticket money is used to help with the upkeep of the Ariel Opera House and additional expenses for the event. General Admission is $7 for ages 5 and up and $10 for VIP, ages 5 and up.