On pageant day, it’s all about the kids. From start to finish.

Before the pageant, there’s an area for kids to have their hair and makeup done for free. For that matter, everything about the pageant is free.

After getting dolled up, each child is then brought onto the stage where they are given a specific title, which is included on the registration form filled out by the families. The titles bring a personal touch to the pageant since no one knows these kids quite like their families. “We’ve had some doozies,” BJ Thorn, pageant founder, says. “We’ve had ‘Miss Queen of the World’ and ‘Mister Fancy Dancer.’ It’s just something that is really personal to that family.”

(Also see: Arkansas Angels Shine in Spotlight with Pageantry)

Boys are usually escorted onto the stage by former beauty queens while the girls are escorted by military members. However, the kids can be escorted by family members, as well.

Teen helpers (left) escort a pageant participant onstage; Andrea Thorn (right), the inspiration for the Angels Pageant System, with Andrea Bear.

BJ is quick to point out everything about the pageant is optional; just don’t fall off the stage. “If the child wants to wear his or her pajamas in front of the audience, that’s totally fine,” she says. “I have no requirements.”

While the kids are on the stage, the emcee tells the audience about the child, including the child’s grade, hobbies, favorite foods and other special tidbits. After each child gets his or her onstage time, they are all brought back out to be crowned. The kids also get a sash and goody bag.

The pageant is open to all children with special needs, regardless of age. The pageant’s official age policy is anyone from newborn to 105 years old.

To make all this happen, the pageant needs volunteers. “The volunteers are vital to what we do,” BJ says. While most volunteers are family members, the pageant also welcomes volunteers with a big heart and desire to help out. “What we require of our volunteers is just to come with an open heart, and know they will be flexible,” BJ says. “Because each need is different.”

Participants are offered free hair and makeup the day of the pageant.

Volunteering is an all-day event, and can include helping get kids in and out of vehicles, helping with registration, assisting the photographer or helping with the crowning process, among many other tasks.

This year’s Central Arkansas Angels Pageant will be held June 14 at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church in Little Rock. The Southern Arkansas Angel Pageant will be held Oct. 18 at Victory Church in El Dorado.

To sign up as a volunteer or register your child for a pageant, visit AngelsPageantSystem.com.