On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Senath-Hornersville High School and community will once again sponsor the third annual Pink Ribbon Princess Pageant to benefit the Dunklin County Relay for Life. Staff photo by Deanna Coronado [Click to enlarge]

SENATH, Mo. -- The Senath-Hornersville High School and community will once again sponsor the annual Pink Ribbon Princess Pageant to promote cancer awareness at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008.

The third annual pageant will take place at the Hornbeck Auditorium at the Senath High School, located at 800 State Street in Senath.

The pageant, which is open to girls from birth to 18-years of age, is designed to raise money for the Dunklin County Relay for Life. The pageant will also serve as an opportunity to honor individuals who have battled cancer and won the fight, and remember those who were lost to the disease.

Contestants are asked to arrive at least one hour prior to the pageant.

This year's divisions are:

* Baby Pink Ribbon Princess (birth to 23 months);

* Tiny Pink Ribbon Princess (2 years);

* Little Pink Ribbon Princess (3-4 years);

* Petite Pink Ribbon Princess (5-6 years);

* Junior Pink Ribbon Princess (7-11 years);

* Debutante Pink Ribbon Princess (12-13 years);

* Pink Ribbon Princess (14-18 years).

This year's pageant will also feature a King for the Cause pageant for boys age birth to 3 years.

The boy's divisions are:

* Baby King for the Cause (0-12 months);

* Tiny King for the Cause (13-23 months);

* Little King for the Cause (2-3 years).

The popular "People's Choice" category will also be available in both categories. On the day of the pageant, visitors will be able to place their votes for their favorite contestant in each age division for only one dollar. The individual who receives the most votes of all the participants will receive the "People's Choice" award.

The entry fee is $30 for both pageants.

"We have so many people that tell us that their child doesn't do any pageants other than this one because they know it will bring in the grandparents, aunts, uncles, [and other family members], and that will be more money raised for the cause," Lea said.

Another new addition to the festivities this year is a pet contest, which will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, in front of the school.

According to Alesa Lea, sponsor of the pet contest, there will be prizes for the "biggest, smallest, cutest, ugliest, best dressed, best trick," and more. There will also be a "Best of Show" and "People's Choice" award for the pets.

The pet show will have a dog division and a miscellaneous division.

"We already have a miniature goat entered," Lea said.

The entry fee for the pet contest is $10 and, according to Lea, "Almost every pet will win something."

Individuals interested in competing in the contests will need to fill out a registration form, which can be picked up at Senath-Hornersville High School, and mail the form along with the entry fee to Susan Hamrick or Alesa Lea c/o Senath-Hornersville High School, 800 State Street, Senath, Mo., 63857. Contestants can also register at the door.

For more information, contact Susan Hamrick or Alesa Lea at (573) 738-2661.

For those wishing to contribute further, "Think Pink" T-shirts, designed by Sarah Bibbs, will be on sale at the event for $10 each. There will also be a bake sale taking place all day in front of the auditorium and individuals can also buy tickets for $2 for their chance to win a pink .22 rifle, which will be given away on Oct. 18