The 2025 WV Black Walnut Festival Pageants will be held on August 2nd and 3rd at Roane County High School. This year, we celebrate an exciting milestone—the crowning of the 71st WV Black Walnut Festival Queen—while also honoring the accomplishments of our 2024 court, including our 70th Queen, Sophia Wigal, who is the reigning Miss WV Association of Fairs and Festivals.
Pre-Teen, Teen, and Queen contestants will compete on Saturday, August 2, 2025, with the final show beginning at 6:00 PM. Baby Miss, Toddler Miss, Little Miss, and Jr. Miss contestants will compete in the Jr. Royalty Pageant on Sunday, August 3, 2025. The Jr. Royalty Pageant will be split into two sessions: Baby & Toddler Miss contestants will compete at 1:00 PM, and Little Miss & Jr. Miss contestants will compete at 5:00 PM.
The 2025 WV Black Walnut Festival Queen and her royal court will reign over the WV Black Walnut Festival and represent the festival throughout the year. The 71st WV Black Walnut Festival will be held from October 8th to October 12th in Spencer. The WV Black Walnut Festival Queen will compete at the 2026 WV Association of Fairs & Festivals Pageant.
Please contact us if you have questions. We want to ensure you are comfortable and confident competing in the WV Black Walnut Festival Pageant. We have a very fun, relaxed and exciting pageant planned for our contestants!
Leslie White, Pageant Director
Email: wvblackwalnutfestivalpageant@gmail.com
Phone: 304-483-5670 (call and/or text)
Annette Caldwell Claypool, Director
Amy Cole, Judges Coordinator
Titles to BE AWARDEd
Miss WV Black Walnut Festival Queen
Contestants 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 years of age on August 2, 2025 that will not have reached their 22nd birthday before January 1, 2026.
Miss Teen WV Black Walnut Festival
Contestants 13, 14 or 15 years of age on August 2, 2025.
Pre-Teen Miss WV Black Walnut Festival
Contestants 10, 11 or 12 years of age on August 2, 2025.
Jr. Miss WV Black Walnut Festival
Contestants 7, 8 or 9 years old on August 2, 2025.
Little Miss WV Black Walnut Festival
Contestants 4, 5 or 6 years old on August 2, 2025.
Toddler Miss WV Black Walnut Festival
Contestants ages 19 months to 3 years old on August 2, 2025.
Baby Miss WV Black Walnut Festival
Contestants that range from newborn to 18 months old on August 2, 2025.
prize package
Our royalty can plan to receive prizes and awards throughout the year! We have provided an overview of what our royalty will be receiving for 2025. Additional prizes and awards are being added thanks to our generous sponsors.
WV BLACK WALNUT FESTIVAL QUEEN
$1,000 Cash Award, Sterling Silver Swarovski Stone Crown, Rhinestone Sash, Wood Plaque made of WV Black Walnut Wood, Scepter, Flowers, Black Walnut Pin, Rhinestone Crown Pin, Custom Crown Box, Black Walnut Earrings, Entry fee paid to compete in the 2026 WV Association of Fairs & Festivals Pageant, Two Weekend Tickets to the 2026 WV Association of Fairs & Festivals Pageant, Complete Coaching for the 2026 WV Association of Fairs & Festivals Pageant, One Full Page Color Ad in the 2026 WV Association of Fairs & Festivals Program Book, Headshot Session Valued at $500, Coronation Photo Session valued at $250, Commemorative Festival Coronation Keepsake Bouquet, Two WV Black Walnut Festival Limited Edition Fiesta Mugs, Gift Package Provided by Local Businesses, Gift Package Provided During the 2024 WV Black Walnut Festival, Daily Gift Packages Provided during the 2026 WV Association of Fairs & Festivals Pageant, Farewell Gift Package
WV BLACK WALNUT FESTIVAL TEEN
$500 Cash Award, Sterling Silver Swarovski Stone Crown, Rhinestone Sash, Wood Plaque made of WV Black Walnut Wood, Scepter, Flowers, Black Walnut Pin, Rhinestone Crown Pin, Custom Crown Box, Black Walnut Earrings, Two Weekend Tickets to the 2026 WV Association of Fairs & Festivals Pageant, Headshot Session Valued at $500, Coronation Photo Session valued at $250, Commemorative Festival Coronation Keepsake Bouquet, Two WV Black Walnut Festival Limited Edition Fiesta Mugs, Gift Package Provided by Local Businesses, Gift Package Provided During the 2025 WV Black Walnut Festival, Farewell Gift Package
WV BLACK WALNUT FESTIVAL PRE-TEEN
$200 Cash Award, Sterling Silver Swarovski Stone Crown, Rhinestone Sash, Wood Plaque made of WV Black Walnut Wood, Scepter, Flowers, Black Walnut Pin, Custom Crown Box, Black Walnut Earrings, Two Weekend Tickets to the 2026 WV Association of Fairs & Festivals Pageant, Headshot Session Valued at $500, Coronation Photo Session valued at $250, Commemorative Festival Coronation Keepsake Bouquet, Gift Package Provided by Local Businesses, Gift Package Provided During the 2025 WV Black Walnut Festival, Farewell Gift Package
JR. MISS & LITTLE MISS
Sterling Silver Swarovski Stone Crown, Rhinestone Sash, Wood Plaque made of WV Black Walnut Wood, Flowers, Black Walnut Pin, Black Walnut Earrings, Commemorative Festival Coronation Keepsake Bouquet, Headshot Session Valued at $500, Coronation Photo Session valued at $250, Gift Package Provided by Local Businesses, Gift Package Provided During the 2025 WV Black Walnut Festival, Farewell Gift Package
TODDLER & BABY MISS
Sterling Silver Swarovski Stone Crown, Rhinestone Sash, Wood Plaque made of WV Black Walnut Wood, Flowers, Black Walnut Pin, Commemorative Festival Coronation Keepsake Arm Bouquet, Headshot Session Valued at $500, Coronation Photo Session valued at $250, Gift Package Provided by Local Businesses, Gift Package Provided During the 2025 WV Black Walnut Festival, Farewell Gift Package
ADDITIONAL AWARDS & Opportunities
In addition to our queen in each division we will provide the following awards in each division: 1st runner up, 2nd runner up, 3rd runner up, 4th runner up and Miss Photogenic.
Our Pre-Teen, Teen and Queen contestants will select a Miss Congeniality for their age division. One contestant in the Queen Division will be presented with the Trorie Atkinson Spirit Award, in loving memory of our 2011 WV Black Walnut Festival Queen.
One People's Choice Award will be awarded during the Queen, Teen & Pre-Teen Pageant. One People's Choice Award will be awarded in each of the following division Baby Miss, Toddler Miss, Little Miss & Jr. Miss.
Runner ups in each division will receive a sash, black walnut pin, plaque made of black walnut wood, and flowers.
Royal princesses will be awarded in the Baby Miss, Toddler Miss, Little Miss and Junior Miss Divisions. Princesses will receive a sash, flower, and a black walnut pin.
Miss Photogenic, Miss Congeniality, People's Choice winners and the Trorie Atkinson Spirit Award recipient will receive a plaque made of black walnut wood.
The contestant who has the highest Spotlight Ad sales, will receive the Spotlight Award. The Spotlight Award winner will receive a plaque made of black walnut wood.
All contestants will receive a pageant program book and a WV Black Walnut Festival contestant bag.
Royal Coronation Invitation
We are excited to announce that all contestants who compete on will be invited to participate in the Royal Coronation of our 71st WV Black Walnut Festival Queen on Thursday - October 9, 2025.
We hope that you will join us for this event. However, participation in the coronation ceremony is optional, for those other than the division winner.
Formal dresses are recommended for the coronation ceremony. We recommend dresses in fall hues - orange, yellow, brown, red etc. No coronation participants, other than division winners will be permitted to wear white.
All coronation participants will be recognized onstage.
A form will be sent out on September 2nd to inquire on each contestants coronation participation status. You must respond to that form to participate in the coronation ceremony. The deadline for coronation participation responses will be Friday - September 26th. No late responses will be accepted.
PHASES OF COMPETITION
QUEEN CONTESTANTS
- PRIVATE INTERVIEW - Queen contestants will compete in a private, five minute interview with our panel of judges. Our judges will be instructed that they can ask contestants anything that they would like. However, judges will be asked to refrain from political and highly controversial issues. Each contestant will be asked at least one question regarding the WV Black Walnut Festival. The judges will have your pageant application in front of them during the interview. Attire for this phase of competition should be career style. The judges will be scoring based on contestant ability to communicate, answer questions concisely and consistently, her character and her overall presentation. Please note: Interview times are subject to change and may be shortened depending on the number of contestants.
- FUN FASHION COMPETITION - For this phase of competition each contestant will showcase an outfit of her choice that reflects her personal style and is age-appropriate. The attire should exude fun and creativity, allowing for simplicity or ornateness according to preference. We suggest contestants to select an outfit that is red-carpet ready - this may include cocktail dresses, jumpsuits, fashion forward career wear etc. The judges will be scoring based on the contestants modeling ability, poise, style, energy and unspoken confidence. This phase of competition will be fast paced and fun! Restrictions: Please note that while accessories are permitted no hats or props will be allowed onstage. No swimsuits or gowns should be worn for this phase of competition.
- ONSTAGE INTERVIEW - Each contestant will answer two questions onstage while wearing their evening gowns. One question will come from the contestant bio and one will be fishbowl in style. Contestants will compete in the onstage interview competition while wearing their fun fashion outfits.
- ONSTAGE INTERVIEW – Each contestant will answer two onstage questions: one based on their bio and one fishbowl style. Contestants will participate in the onstage interview competition while wearing their fun fashion outfits.
- EVENING GOWN - Contestants will compete in the evening gown competition modeling an evening gown of their choice. Judges will be scoring based on the contestants modeling ability, poise, style, energy and unspoken confidence.
TEEN CONTESTANTS
- PRIVATE INTERVIEW - Teen contestants will compete in a private, three minute interview with our panel of judges. Our judges will be instructed that they can ask contestants anything that they would like. However, judges will be asked to refrain from political and highly controversial issues. Each contestant will be asked at least one question regarding the WV Black Walnut Festival. The judges will have your pageant application in front of them during the interview. Attire for this phase of competition should be career style. The judges will be scoring based on contestant ability to communicate, answer questions concisely and consistently, her character and her overall presentation. Please note: Interview times are subject to change and may be shortened depending on the number of contestants.
- FUN FASHION COMPETITION - For this phase of competition each contestant will showcase an outfit of her choice that reflects her personal style and is age-appropriate. The attire should exude fun and creativity, allowing for simplicity or ornateness according to preference. We suggest contestants to select an outfit that is red-carpet ready - this may include cocktail dresses, jumpsuits, fashion forward career wear etc. The judges will be scoring based on the contestants modeling ability, poise, style, energy and unspoken confidence. This phase of competition will be fast paced and fun! Restrictions: Please note that while accessories are permitted no hats or props will be allowed onstage. No swimsuits or gowns should be worn for this phase of competition.
- ONSTAGE INTERVIEW – Each contestant will answer two onstage questions: one based on their bio and one fishbowl style. Contestants will participate in the onstage interview competition while wearing their fun fashion outfits.
- EVENING GOWN - Contestants will compete in the evening gown competition modeling an evening gown of their choice. Judges will be scoring based on the contestants modeling ability, poise, style, energy and unspoken confidence.
- ONSTAGE INTERVIEW - Finalists will answer two questions onstage while wearing their evening gowns. Questions will come from the contestant bio or be fishbowl in style.
PRE-TEEN CONTESTANTS
- PRIVATE INTERVIEW - Pre-Teen contestants will participate in a private, two-minute interview with our panel of judges. Questions will be based solely on the contestant’s bio sheet, and each contestant will also be asked a question about the WV Black Walnut Festival. The interview will be relaxed, fun, and conversational, allowing contestants to showcase their personality and confidence in a comfortable setting. Attire for this phase of the competition should be career style. Judges will score based on the contestant’s ability to communicate, answer questions clearly and consistently, and demonstrate character, personality, and overall presentation. Please note: Interview times are subject to change and may be shortened depending on the number of contestants.
- FUN FASHION COMPETITION - For this phase of competition each contestant will showcase an outfit of her choice that reflects her personal style and is age-appropriate. The attire should exude fun and creativity, allowing for simplicity or ornateness according to preference. We suggest contestants to select an outfit that is red-carpet ready - this may include cocktail dresses, jumpsuits, fashion forward career wear etc. The judges will be scoring based on the contestants modeling ability, poise, style, energy and unspoken confidence. This phase of competition will be fast paced and fun! Restrictions: Please note that while accessories are permitted no hats or props will be allowed onstage. No swimsuits or gowns should be worn for this phase of competition.
- EVENING GOWN - Contestants will compete in the evening gown competition modeling a floor length evening gown or dress of their choice.
LITTLE MISS & JR MISS CONTESTANTS
- FUN FASHION COMPETITION - For this phase of competition each contestant will showcase an outfit of her choice that reflects her personal style and is age-appropriate. The attire should exude fun and creativity, allowing for simplicity or ornateness according to preference. Outfits may be casual in style or more dressy - it truly is your outfit of choice! This is your opportunity to show the judges your sense of style and personality! The judges will be scoring based on the contestants modeling ability, poise, style, energy and unspoken confidence. This phase of competition will be fast paced and fun! Restrictions: Please note that while accessories are permitted no hats or props will be allowed onstage. No swimsuits or gowns should be worn for this phase of competition.
- EVENING GOWN - Contestants will compete in the evening gown competition modeling an evening gown or dress of their choice.
BABY MISS & TODDLER MISS CONTESTANTS
- FORMAL FASHION - Baby Miss and Toddler Miss contestants will compete in one phase of competition, the formal fashion competition. Contestants should select an outfit that is formal in style that she would wear to attend a formal style event. The outfit should be representative of her personal style. Outfits may range from pageant dresses to Sunday best and could include dresses, jumpsuits, etc. The judges will NOT be judging the style of the outfit. The judges will not be giving a score based on the outfit - Rather, judges will be looking at contestant stage presence, personality, confidence, beauty, etc. The judges will be looking for age-appropriate and well fitting outfits. We want this to be a fun competition for both contestants and parents. Please do not feel that you need to purchase something special just for the pageant. Restrictions: Please note that while accessories are permitted no hats or props will be allowed onstage. No swimsuits should be worn for this phase of competition.
Baby & Toddler Miss contestants are required to have an adult chaperone with them onstage during their presentation. At no time will any representative of the WV Black Walnut Festival escort a contestant, of any age group, onto the stage.
The WV Black Walnut Festival Pageant staff and volunteers will not provide guidance or advice regarding attire, hairstyle, makeup, accessories, or any other aspect of a contestant's personal appearance. Contestants are responsible for making their own decisions in these areas, and the pageant staff does not offer opinions or recommendations. The phases of competition and attire guidelines are outlined here. This is the exact information that our judges will receive in their packet.
WINNER REQUIREMENTS
All titleholders and their designated guardians are required to sign a contract immediately following the pageant. Titleholders will be bound by the terms outlined in this contract, unless a written exemption is granted by the pageant director. The contract can be reviewed by clicking the '2025 Winner Contracts' button below.
Please note, our contracts for Jr. Royalty do not restrict the winner from participating in other pageants. As long as the winner can fulfill our requirements, they are welcome to compete in additional pageants.
Queen, Teen, and Pre-Teen titleholders may also compete in other pageants after the 2026 WV Association of Fairs and Festivals Pageant
WV Black Walnut Festival Queen
- 2025 WV Black Walnut Festival JR. Royalty Pageant - The titleholder will be required to attend the JR Royalty Pageant on August 3 2025.
- 2025 Queen's Photoshoot - The titleholder will be required to attend the Final Queen's Photoshoot on February 7, 2026 in Spencer.
- 2025 WV Black Walnut Festival - The titleholder will be required to attend the WV Black Walnut Festival on the following dates: October 9th - October 12th 2025.
- 2025 City of Spencer Christmas Parade - The titleholder will make every effort to attend the City of Spencer Christmas Parade (date to be determined) held in December.
- 2026 WV Association of Fairs & Festivals - The titleholder will be required to represent the WV Black Walnut Festival at the 2026 WV Association of Fairs & Festivals Pageant.
- 2026 WV Black Walnut Festival Pageant - The titleholder will be required to attend the 2026 WV Black Walnut Festival Pageants on August 1st to crown her successor.
- 2026 WV Black Walnut Festival Royal Coronation - The titleholder will be required to attend the royal coronation on October 8, 2026 to assist in crowning her successor.
- Additional Appearances - The titleholder will make every effort to attend as many events as possible to represent the WV Black Walnut Festival. In addition the appearances listed above the titleholder will complete a minimum of ten appearances, of her choosing, throughout her reign.
WV Black Walnut Festival Teen & Pre-Teen
- 2025 WV Black Walnut Festival JR. Royalty Pageant - The titleholder will be required to attend the JR Royalty Pageant on August 3 2025.
- 2025 Queen's Photoshoot - The titleholder will be required to attend the Final Queen's Photoshoot on February 7, 2026 in Spencer.
- 2025 WV Black Walnut Festival - The titleholder will be required to attend the WV Black Walnut Festival on the following dates: October 9th - October 12th 2025.
- 2025 City of Spencer Christmas Parade - The titleholder will make every effort to attend the City of Spencer Christmas Parade (date to be determined) held in December.
- 2026 WV Association of Fairs & Festivals - The titleholder will be required to attend the 2026 WV Association of Fairs & Festivals Pageant, as a spectator in support of our reigning WV Black Walnut Festival Queen.
- 2026 WV Black Walnut Festival Pageant - The titleholder will be required to attend the 2026 WV Black Walnut Festival Pageants on August 1st to crown her successor.
- Additional Appearances - The titleholder will make every effort to attend as many events as possible to represent the WV Black Walnut Festival. In addition the appearances listed above the titleholder will complete a minimum of five appearances, of her choosing, throughout her reign.
WV Black Walnut Festival JR Miss, Little Miss, Toddler Miss & Baby Miss
- 2025 WV Black Walnut Festival - The titleholder will be required to attend the WV Black Walnut Festival on the following dates: October 9th (royal coronation) & October 11th 2025 (grande parade.)
- 2025 Queen's Photoshoot - The titleholder will be required to attend the Final Queen's Photoshoot on February 7, 2026 in Spencer.
- 2025 City of Spencer Christmas Parade - The titleholder will make every effort to attend the City of Spencer Christmas Parade (date to be determined) held in December.
- 2026 WV Association of Fairs & Festivals - The titleholder will be encouraged to attend the WV Association of Fairs & Festivals Pageant, as a spectator in support of our reigning WV Black Walnut Festival Queen.
- 2026 WV Black Walnut Festival Pageant - The titleholder will be required to attend the 2026 WV Black Walnut Festival Pageant on August 2nd to crown her successor.
- Additional Appearances - The titleholder will make every effort to attend as many events as possible to represent the WV Black Walnut Festival. In addition the appearances listed above the titleholder will complete a minimum of two appearances, of her choosing, throughout her reign.
THE ROAD TO THE CROWN BEGINS HERE
Application, Instructions & Entry Fees
Applications must be received by 11:59 PM EST on Saturday, July 5th, 2025. Application forms, photogenic submissions, and entry fees will only be accepted via our online application portal. Emailed, printed, mailed, and/or hand-delivered applications, photos, and entry fees will not be accepted. The application you submit will be printed and given to each judge on our panel; no alterations will be made.
All contestants must submit one color headshot. This headshot will be used for the People's Choice Campaign and by our panel of judges to determine the winner of Miss Photogenic in each division. Only one photo may be submitted per contestant, and all submissions must be in color. Any contestant who submits more than one image and/or submits a photo in black and white will be disqualified from being scored in the photogenic competition. The photogenic competition has no bearing on the final outcome of the pageant.
Jr. Royalty, Pre-Teen, Teen*, and Queen* entry fees are non-refundable. *Note: If a contestant wins another WVAFF Pageant for an event in good standing with the WVAFF, we will refund that contestant's entry fee.
The entry fees for each division are as follows:
Baby & Toddler Miss WV Black Walnut Festival [ages: 0 - 3 years] - $55
Little & Jr. Miss WV Black Walnut Festival [ages: 4 - 9 years] - $75
Pre-Teen Miss WV Black Walnut Festival [ages: 10-12] - $100
WV Black Walnut Festival Teen [ages: 13 - 15 years] - $110
WV Black Walnut Festival Queen [ages: 16 - 21 years] - $125
The deadline to apply is Saturday - July 5, 2025.
Applications must be received by 11:59 PM EST on Saturday, July 5th 2025. The application form will be automatically disabled after the deadline has passed. A detailed schedule and more information will be provided via the email address given on your application after our application deadline.
CONTACT
Leslie White
wvblackwalnutfestivalpageant@gmail.com
304-483-5670 [call or text]