A statewide pageant with a focus on a love of the outdoors will be hosted in Wright City this year.

The Miss Missouri Outdoors State Tourism Pageant will be hosted Dec. 7 at Liberty Christian Academy. 

The pageant is a chance  for girls and young women to gain confidence, practice communication and public speaking skills, and promote outdoor activities that they enjoy.

There are six age-based entry categories for girls as young as 5 up to adults.  The winner of the 17-22 age category will qualify to compete at the Miss Missouri State Fair Pageant for the chance to win a $2,000 scholarship.

Participants in the three divisions for teens and adults will sit for a panel interview, model evening gowns or formal wear, and answer on-stage questions. Participants in the children and preteen divisions will model gowns or formal wear, and answer simple on-stage questions.

Registration is the day of the pageant from 9-9:30 a.m. Dec. 7. There is an entry fee of $30 or $60, depending on the age bracket of the entrant.

The Miss Missouri Outdoors Pageant promotes tourism, festivals, historical sites, state parks and conservation, and non-profit organizations in Missouri.

State Rep. Bryan Spencer, whose district includes Wright City, said he requested for the pageant organization to hold this year’s event in Wright City. Spencer said he hopes the event will promote Warren County to a statewide audience.

Wright City residents Leanne Breen, Abigail Thomas and Megan McCloud have all been recent Miss Missouri Outdoors winners.