This will be the first of its kind in DeKalb County and will not seem important to all. Yet those who will participate will beam with joy. Actually, they already do regardless of facing physical and/or mental challenges.

The Last Minute Toy Shop is excited to announce its Sunshine Pageants for local children and adults with special needs and/or disabilities. The event is officially scheduled for October 25, to be held at the county complex in the auditorium.

These pageants were created to help instill confidence in local youth and adults, as there is no judging, every person is a winner. Female entrants will receive a tiara, sash and single flower, while male entrants will receive a sash and trophy. All participants will also receive a t-shirt.

Participants will wear formal or church wear. Each one will be able take the stage, strut their stuff and dance to their favorite song. Whether their feet carry them or the wheels of their chair, all that matters is those not normally in the spotlight are in it and having fun. This is their special night.

When deciding on a name for the pageants, Last Minute Toy Shop volunteer and special needs mom of two, Stephanie Tiner was presented with two names being considered. The name Sunshine Pageants was chosen after she stated, “Those with special needs are always smiling. Even on a rainy day, their smile lights up a room like the sun.”

Entrants will participate for free, but there will be a $5 donation fee at the door for those coming to support the event. Hopes are that the auditorium will be full of supporters, with sensory issues still being recognized and honored from the crowd.

DTC TV will be on-hand to record the pageants for future viewing on the local station.

Applications are available on the Facebook event page and at the Smithville Review. They must be completed and returned by October 1, 2024.

Next year’s pageants may be open to more counties, but this year only DeKalb County residents are eligible.