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Swimsuits in children's pageants: Controversy striking the Emmett community


Pageant directors say they encourage one-piece swimsuits and do not let belly buttons show. (Courtesy Photo: Melissa Buckley){p}{/p}{p}{/p}
Pageant directors say they encourage one-piece swimsuits and do not let belly buttons show. (Courtesy Photo: Melissa Buckley)

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"There's just certain people in the community who decided that they don't agree with the swimsuit portion in the pageant world,"said Sydney Evans, Co-Director of Junior Miss Cherry Festival.

These are the concerns:

Parents arguing that if little girls aren't being judged on their bodies, then why not replace the swimwear portion with something else?

"They have suggested that we replace this portion of the pageant with other options which we are very much so opened to in the future, we just have not been directly contacted to discuss this with the people in the community," Evans said.

The girls, ages three to 14, are judged on three segments: personal interview, swimwear and evening wear.

"They are not judged on what they are actually wearing. They're only judged on their poise, personality and confidence," said Rikki Hamley, Co-Director of Junior Miss Cherry Festival.

Personality comes with creativity. The directors say some girls accessorize with beach balls, sun hats and cover ups to show judges there is no limit to creativity.

"We encourage one-piece swimsuits. Now if they want to wear a tankini it does have to be approved by myself or Rikki. We do not allow belly buttons to show. Very minimal skin showing," Evans said.

Ashley Elliott daughter is now six years old and she's been in the pageant since she was three. She says it's a change for her daughter to meet new friends, build confidence and have fun.

"My daughter, when we went and bought her swimsuit I let her pick it out. I let her pick he dress out. I mean it's a one piece, her bottoms not going to be hanging out. It's a swimsuit and I feel as a parent that its something that I would allow my child to go to the pool in and not have to worry about the issues," Elliott said.

At it's heart, Parents say this a just small hometown pageant.

"Before judging or before saying we're exploiting these girls on stage. Go to the pageant and see how they are," Elliott said.

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