Haynes Apperson Festival Queen Pageant returning during festival’s 50th anniversary celebration

A long-standing Haynes Apperson Festival tradition is making a comeback this summer.

According to a press release sent to The Kokomo Post, the Haynes Apperson Festival Queen Pageant will return in 2026 as part of the festival’s 50th anniversary celebration. Organizers say this marks the first time the pageant has been held in more than 15 years.

The revived event is designed to give young women in Howard County opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and become involved in the community while representing the festival.

The pageant is scheduled for June 17, 2026, in downtown Kokomo. Young women ages 16 to 21 are eligible to participate if they live, work, attend school, or regularly attend church in Howard County.

“We are so excited to have the pageant return,” Haynes Apperson Festival Chairman Paul Wyman said in the release. “The timing is perfect as we celebrate our 50th anniversary and this adds the opportunity to celebrate some incredible young women in our community.”

Wyman also credited Pageant Director Chanteal VanCamp for helping bring the event back.

Contestants will compete in multiple categories, including an opening presentation, private interview, evening wear competition, on-stage question, and essay submission.

VanCamp said the pageant is intended to be about more than simply earning a title.

“This isn’t just about a crown,” VanCamp said. “It’s about creating a space where young women feel seen, build confidence, and step into leadership within their community, especially during such a milestone year for the festival.”

The winner of the competition will receive an official crown and sash, participate in festival appearances throughout the community, receive sponsor gifts and flowers, and be coached by a former Mrs. Indiana United States titleholder. The winner will also have the chance to represent the Haynes Apperson Festival at the State Festival Queen Pageant.

Applications are currently open and will remain available through June 1, 2026, or until contestant spots are filled.

“This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate 50 years of the Haynes Apperson Festival,” VanCamp added. “Bringing the pageant back is a way to honor tradition while creating new opportunities for the next generation.”

Community members are encouraged to attend the event and support contestants during the festival celebration.

Those interested in participating can apply online at haynesappersonfestival.org.