The 2026 WV Black Walnut Festival Pageants will be held on August 1st and 2nd at Roane County High School.
Pre-Teen, Teen, and Queen contestants will compete on Saturday, August 1, 2026, 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 2, 2026. 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 4:00 PM.
The 2026 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 72nd WV Black Walnut Festival will be held from October 8th to October 11th in Spencer. The WV Black Walnut Festival Queen will compete at the 2027 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 1, 2026 that will not have reached their 22nd birthday before January 1, 2027.
Miss Teen WV Black Walnut Festival
Contestants 13, 14 or 15 years of age on August 1, 2026.
Pre-Teen Miss WV Black Walnut Festival
Contestants 10, 11 or 12 years of age on August 1, 2026.
Jr. Miss WV Black Walnut Festival
Contestants 7, 8 or 9 years old on August 1, 2026.
Little Miss WV Black Walnut Festival
Contestants 4, 5 or 6 years old on August 1, 2026.
Toddler Miss WV Black Walnut Festival
Contestants ages 19 months to 3 years old on August 1, 2026.
Baby Miss WV Black Walnut Festival
Contestants that range from newborn to 18 months old on August 1, 2026.
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 2026. 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, Crown Box, Black Walnut Earrings, Entry fee paid to compete in the 2027 WV Association of Fairs & Festivals Pageant, Two Weekend Tickets to the 2027 WV Association of Fairs & Festivals Pageant, One Full Page Color Ad in the 2027 WV Association of Fairs & Festivals Program Book, Commemorative Festival Coronation Keepsake Bouquet, WV Black Walnut Festival Limited Edition Fiesta Mug, Gift Package Provided by Local Businesses
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, Crown Box, Black Walnut Earrings, Commemorative Festival Coronation Keepsake Bouquet, WV Black Walnut Festival Limited Edition Fiesta Mug, Gift Package Provided by Local Businesses
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, Crown Box, Black Walnut Earrings, Coronation Keepsake Bouquet, Gift Package Provided by Local Businesses
JR. MISS & LITTLE MISS
Sterling Silver Swarovski Stone Crown, Rhinestone Sash, Wood Plaque made of WV Black Walnut Wood, Flowers, Black Walnut Pin, Commemorative Festival Coronation Keepsake Bouquet, Gift Package Provided by Local Businesses
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, Gift Package Provided by Local Businesses
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.
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 fun fashion outfit. 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.
- 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.
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.
JR, LITTLE TODDLER & BABY MISS CONTESTANTS
- EVENING GOWN - Contestants will compete in the evening gown competition modeling an evening gown or pageant dress of their choice.
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 '2026 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 2027 WV Association of Fairs and Festivals Pageant
WV Black Walnut Festival Queen
- 2026 WV Black Walnut Festival JR. Royalty Pageant - The titleholder will be required to attend the JR Royalty Pageant on August 2 2026.
- 2026 WV Black Walnut Festival - The titleholder will be required to attend the WV Black Walnut Festival on the following dates: October 8th - October 11th 2026.
- 2026 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.
- 2027 WV Association of Fairs & Festivals - The titleholder will be required to represent the WV Black Walnut Festival at the 2027 WV Association of Fairs & Festivals Pageant.
- 2027 WV Black Walnut Festival Pageant - The titleholder will be required to attend the 2027 WV Black Walnut Festival Pageant to crown her successor.
- 2027 WV Black Walnut Festival Royal Coronation - The titleholder will be required to attend the royal coronation to assist in crowning her successor.
WV Black Walnut Festival Teen & Pre-Teen
- 2026 WV Black Walnut Festival JR. Royalty Pageant - The titleholder will be required to attend the JR Royalty Pageant on August 2, 2026.
- 2026 WV Black Walnut Festival - The titleholder will be required to attend the WV Black Walnut Festival on the following dates: October 8th - October 11th 2026.
- 2026 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.
- 2027 WV Black Walnut Festival Pageant - The titleholder will be required to attend the 2027 WV Black Walnut Festival Pageant to crown her successor.
WV Black Walnut Festival JR Miss, Little Miss, Toddler Miss & Baby Miss
- 2026 WV Black Walnut Festival - The titleholder will be required to attend the WV Black Walnut Festival on the following dates: October 8th (royal coronation) & October 10th 2026 (grande parade.)
- 2027 WV Black Walnut Festival Pageant - The titleholder will be required to attend the 2027 WV Black Walnut Festival Pageant to crown her successor.
THE ROAD TO THE CROWN BEGINS HERE
Application, Instructions & Entry Fees
Applications must be received by 11:59 PM EST on Saturday, June 27th, 2026. 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 WV Black Walnut Festival Pageant reserves the right to combine or alter divisions without prior notice, based on the number of entries received.
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 - June 27, 2026.
Applications must be received by 11:59 PM EST on Saturday, June 27, 2026. 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]