Local Lions to crown Miss Magnolia

Several years ago, the Schriever Lions Club needed a way to raise funds to help special needs kids go to summer camp.

Member Denise Callais had been involved with the pageant world through her daughter for several years and suggested the Lions hold a beauty pageant.

Six years later, the Miss Magnolia Pageant is still raising money to send children with diabetes, mental and physical challenges and pulmonary disorders to the Louisiana Lions Camp (http://www.lionscamp.org/) just north of Leesville, La.

This years’ pageant is set for Saturday, May 8, at the St. Bridget Community Center at 2076 Main St. in Schriever.

Pageant contestants have until May 6 to register and submit their $40 entry fee. Age groups range from infant to 46 years old and up (“Granny”).

Doors open at 10 a.m. the day of the pageant and the competition gets under way at 11 a.m. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children 10 and under

Callais said, “Dress is Sunday best. We’re not a high glitz pageant.” About 85 percent of the contestants are first time pageant contestants and many participate “Just for the cause,” she said.

Hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, nachos and pastalaya (jambalaya with pasta) are served at the concession stand.

Raffle tickets are also being sold to raise camp funds. Prizes include a 19-inch color TV, a $100 gift card, a barbecue pit, a $25 gift card and an ice chest.

A movie airs detailing the summer camp and various other Lions’ community projects. The Lions provide eyeglasses to those in need, eye screenings at the elementary and pre-K levels, run the Schriever senior citizens meal site and provide wheelchairs, children’s winter coats and food baskets around Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Anyone who wants to attend the summer camp can contact Callais at (985) 798-7019 or visit the Lions’ Web site at www.schrieverlions.org.