Rules and Regulations | Miss Arkansas Delta

Miss Arkansas Delta

PRELIMINARY RULES & REGULATIONS

Eligibility

The Miss Arkansas Delta Pageant is open to contestants of all ages.

Contestants qualifying for scholarships (Teen, Junior & Miss) must reside in Arkansas or be enrolled in school in the state of Arkansas.

Previous contestants are eligible to compete unless they are currently holding a 2026 Miss Arkansas Delta State Title.

Age & Division Eligibility

A contestant’s age division will be determined by her age on the date of the 2027 Miss Arkansas Delta State Finals, regardless of her age on the date of the preliminary competition.

Contestants must compete in the same age division throughout the entire 2027 pageant season, including all preliminary competitions and the State Finals.

For example, if a contestant is 17 years old at a January preliminary but will be 18 years old on the date of the State Finals, she must compete in the division designated for age 18 at the January preliminary.

The contestant’s date of birth and age as of the State Finals date should be used when completing all preliminary registration forms.

Preliminary Qualification For State Finals

One contestant of each division at a preliminary will be crowned Official Preliminary Titleholders.

Preliminary Titleholders automatically qualify for the Miss Arkansas Delta State Finals.

A contestant may not compete in additional preliminaries after winning a title for the current season.

Should a Preliminary Titleholders be unable to fulfill her spot at the Miss Arkansas Delta State Finals, the 1st Alternate will advance in her place.

State Finals Participation Requirement

Preliminary Titleholders are expected to represent their title and participate in the Miss Arkansas Delta State Finals. Preliminary titles are awarded with the understanding that the winner intends to advance to State Finals and serve as a representative of their division.

If a Preliminary Titleholder is unable or unwilling to participate in State Finals, the Miss Arkansas Delta Scholarship Foundation reserves the right to appoint the title to the next eligible contestant or take any action deemed necessary to ensure the division is properly represented at State Finals.

Preliminary Registration & Fees

All contestants must complete the official registration form and submit entry fees prior to the deadline.

Entry fees are non-refundable but can only be transferred (to the next preliminary) one time.

Late entries may be accepted at the discretion of the director.

Competition Categories

Interview (Teen and Miss divisions only)
Fun Fashion
Beauty / Formal Wear
Side Awards: Photogenic, Most Beautiful, Best Dressed, Prettiest Eyes, Prettiest Hair and Prettiest Smile (Please note that these side awards do not influence the selection of the Queen or Alternates in the division.)

Awards

Each division will award a Queen, 1st Alternate, 2nd Alternate, and Side Awards, Fun Fashion and People's Choice.

Judging

All decisions by the judging panel are final.

Judges are selected for their experience, professionalism, and fairness.

During the pageant, kindly maintain a respectful distance from the judges' table and refrain from standing directly behind or in close proximity to their area.

Score Sheets will be made available on the Monday following the pageant. To request a copy, please contact us via email at info@missarkansasdelta.com.

Sportsmanship

Good sportsmanship is expected from all contestants, parents, and guests.

Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in disqualification without refund.

Negative or disruptive conduct toward judges, staff, or contestants will not be tolerated.

Titleholder Responsibilities

Preliminary Titleholders agree to represent the Miss Arkansas Delta system in a positive and professional manner.

Preliminary Titleholders are expected to attend and compete at the State Finals.

Failure to fulfill duties may result in title forfeiture. Should you forfeit your title and position at the state finals, it will be offered to another contestant.

Media & Photography

By entering, contestants grant permission for photos/videos to be used for promotional purposes.

No compensation will be provided for media use.

Liability

The Miss Arkansas Delta Scholarship Foundation is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

Participation is at your own risk.

Director’s Authority

The director reserves the right to combine divisions, adjust scheduling, or make necessary changes.

All rules are subject to interpretation by the director.

General Admission and Fees

The pageant is open to the public.

Admission to Preliminaries is $5.00.

Admission tickets may be purchased at the door or online, in advance.

Seating is general admission unless otherwise specified.

Children ages 5 and under may be admitted free with a paid adult.

All admission fees are non-refundable.

Check-In & Credentials

Contestants must check in during the designated time before the pageant begins.

Only registered contestants and approved participants are allowed in dressing areas (see all Dressing Room rules below)

Wristbands are required for access.

Beauty

Participants aged 0-7 will compete in short (cupcake-style) pageant dresses.

Participants aged 8+ will compete in long formal pageant dresses.

Footwear is mandatory on stage at all times.

Fun Fashion

Fun Fashion allows contestants to showcase their personal style through a variety of outfits, often described as red-carpet-ready, like cocktail dresses or patterned jumpsuits, allowing them to express their personality and creativity.

The fun fashion category is designed to give contestants an opportunity to express their personal sense of style and showcase their creativity through fashion. Please note that the Fun Fashion award does not influence the selection of the Queen or Alternates in the division.

Dressing Rooms

Only the contestant and a single designated assistant will be permitted access to the dressing room. If additional assistants are needed, it must be approved by the director.

The assistant(s) must possess and display an official armband for entry.

Plug-ins will need to be shared.

Secure your space and be respectful of other contestants and their space/belongings.

Males are strictly prohibited from entering the dressing rooms. In instances where a male will accompany the contestant on stage, he will meet the contestant in the backstage area.

Absolutely no photos are allowed to be taken in the dressing room while others are dressing.

Makeup

Makeup should enhance natural beauty and be age-appropriate for each division.

Judges are looking for clean, polished, and confident presentation.

Baby, Toddler, Little Divisions:

Light or natural makeup only (if any)

No heavy foundation, contouring, or bold eye looks

Petite & PreTeen Divisions:

Soft, natural makeup recommended

Light foundation, blush, mascara, and neutral tones

Teen, Miss, Ms and Mrs Divisions:

Full makeup is permitted

Should remain tasteful, blended, and stage-appropriate

Photogenic

Participants from all age divisions are invited to compete in a photogenic contest within their respective age groups.

Must be a recent photograph, taken within the past year, must be uploaded during the registration process.

It is recommended that the photograph maintain a natural appearance and avoid excessive filtering.

Photos can be color or black & white.

Headshots or upper-body photos are preferred but full-length photos are allowed.

Interview

Teen Miss and Miss divisions will include Interview.

Business Professional" or "Sunday Best." Modesty is key. Avoid necklines that are too low or hemlines that are too short.

Each interview will last 2-3 minutes.

People’s Choice

Each participant is permitted to accumulate an unlimited number of votes.

Votes are priced at $1 each.

The individual in each category who secures the highest number of votes will be awarded the People’s Choice title.

All funds collected prior to pageant day must be submitted during the designated check-in process.

Online voting will close at midnight on the evening prior to the pageant.

Please note that the People’s Choice award does not influence the selection of the Queen in each division.

Overall People’s Choice

The contestant receiving the highest number of People's Choice votes among all participants will be awarded the Overall People's Choice title and will receive an additional crown.

Age Groups and Information

Refund Policy

No refunds will be issued for admission, People's Choice votes or registration fees.

Exceptions may be made only at the director’s discretion.

STATE FINALS MANDATORY FEES & FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Contestants who earn a qualifying placement at a Miss Arkansas Delta preliminary will advance to the State Finals. By registering for and competing in a preliminary, the contestant and/or parent or legal guardian acknowledges and agrees to the following:

State Finals Requirement: Each State Finalist is required to meet a $500 fundraising obligation by the established deadline.

Winter Preliminary Deadline: April 1st | Spring Preliminary Deadline: June 1st | Summer Preliminary Deadline: August 1st

Approved fundraising activities, sponsorships, program advertisements, raffle sales, and other approved fundraising may be credited toward the $500 requirement. If the full $500 is not raised through approved fundraising, the contestant and/or parent or legal guardian is responsible for paying the remaining balance by the deadline.

Non-Refundable: All fees, fundraising proceeds, sponsorships, donations, advertisements, raffle proceeds, and other funds submitted are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Failure to satisfy the $500 obligation by the established deadline may result in forfeiture of the contestant’s State Finals placement and eligibility to compete.

By registering for a preliminary, the contestant and/or parent or legal guardian acknowledges that they understand and accept the $500 State Finals financial obligation should the contestant qualify and accept advancement.

✨ Final Note

Participation in the Miss Arkansas Delta Preliminary Pageant constitutes full agreement with all rules and regulations stated above.