Are you a part-time rock star? Event showcases local youth
By KALEY LYON
Come Sunday afternoon, local youth will have their chance to become Ellis County's next top model.
Local businesses have united to host a "Fun in the Sun Fashion Fair," which will be in the Beond and Wal-Mart parking lots from noon to 5 p.m.
All proceeds will help fund children's programs through United Way of Ellis County.
"The neat thing is we're raising the money with children, for children, with everybody having fun," said Kim Weigel, co-owner of Beond Salon & Day Spa.
The event will target children 12 or younger and will begin with a summer fashion show. Children are encouraged to wear their favorite summer outfit -- or purchase one Sunday at Wal-Mart for 20 percent off.
A team of Beond stylists also will be on-site to provide assistance with hair and make-up. There is a $10 entry fee for the event.
Children and their parents should check in between 11:30 a.m. and noon so the children will be ready to walk the runway. While pre-registration is not required, several children already have signed up for the event.
Advance entries can be arranged through Beond.
Beond and other local businesses, including Sunflower Bank and Wal-Mart, have sponsored the event for years.
This weekend will mark one new addition to the program. Girls will have the opportunity to become Hannah Montana look-alikes.
To participate, girls should arrive ready to take the stage, bring a 3-by-5 photo, and pay a $20 entry fee. In addition to becoming models, they also will have the opportunity to become pop stars.
Each contestant will have time to perform her favorite Hannah Montana song.
"We'll allow them to perform part of a Hannah Montana song so they can show off their looks, their moves and their stage presence," said Sue Rouse, executive director of United Way.
"She seems to be a very popular icon for the young girls, so they're excited about doing that."
There also will be fun for the whole family.
Concessions, games and raffle tickets also are on the afternoon agenda.
Adults can participate in the fun for a $5 entry fee, while children can enjoy all of the games and activities for $2.
Law enforcement also will be on hand as children have the opportunity to explore a fire truck and parents have the chance to register their children with Ident-a-Kid.
"The great thing about it is, it's a win-win for everybody," Weigel said. "The businesses benefit, but yet they're giving back. The little kids get to have fun, the parents get to enjoy it."
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