She is quick to point out that the pageants are about much more than just who looks the prettiest, and that appearance isn’ t even one of the judged categories at the Benton County Fair pageant.
“ Pageantry teaches discipline, hard work, confidence and many life skills, including public speaking,” Thompson noted.“ Many begin competing in pageants at the local / county levels, and most contestants work hard and practice in preparation for pageant day. Pageant titles are earned, not won.”
Practicing for these competitions teaches the importance of hard work and determination, while the competition itself teaches other skills.
Contestants learn how to be confident in themselves, gain public speaking experience, etiquette, interview skills and much more. This helps them prepare for real life situations, like job interviews.
“ My interview skills and being able to talk to people came from my pageantry days. I had no experience in talking to people prior to getting into pageants.” Thompson explained,“ I truly believe that through the practice, competition and advice from my pageant peers, I learned the most valuable skill anyone can have – speaking to others.”
Pageants are also an amazing source of scholarships, helping contestants to further their education.
“ The Benton County Fair in the past has rewarded the winner of the Miss Benton County crown a $ 750 scholarship,” Thompson noted.“ We are revisiting this idea and possibly giving the Junior Queen and Miss a cash scholarship.”
In October 2024, Thompson took the stage one last time at the Arkansas State Fair Pageant and took home Best Evening Gown, Best Interview and First Runner Up.
“ I had not competed in a pageant since 2021 and was extremely nervous, but I
pulled it off and had a fantastic day with my fellow contestants and the new directorship of the State Fair,” she recalled.“ It excites me to send girls this year to the State Fair. It’ s truly a new and reformed pageant system that everyone should experience.”
While Thompson’ s competition days have come to an end, her director reign is still young and bright.
“ I hope to be a director for years to come, and hope I can make the pageant bigger and better each year. Doing 99 % of the work all by myself, it can be overwhelming at times, but I am proud to say‘ I did it’ at the end of every year,” she said.
The Benton County Fair Pageant will be held Sept. 20-21 and is open to all girls / women ages newborn to 75 years old and boys ages newborn to 6 years old.
For more information, including registration, sponsorships and volunteering, email bentoncofairpageant @ gmail. com or visit the Benton County Fair Pageant Facebook page.
2025 BENTON COUNTY FAIR 19 121 Years • 1904-2025