Since 1965, there's been a Dogwood Pageant to celebrate the achievements and abilities of the young ladies of Quitman, and to offer them the opportunity to win scholarships.

This year's event is scheduled for April 5th, but currently the Quitman Chamber of Commerce has not received enough applications to host the 2014 Pageant. The deadline for applications has been extended twice and is being extended a third and final time to March 7th. To make the pageant viable, there must be a minimum of five contestants in each age division signed up, or the event will be cancelled.

Chamber president Jeanette Argenbright said, "The Dogwood Pageant is a special tradition for the community and has educational and social value for the young ladies that participate. It has also been one way that our community members have shown strong support of our youth. Our hope is to continue this tradition, if interest is sufficient."

The age divisions are: Little Miss, kindergarten and first grade students; Junior Miss, sixth and seventh grade students, and Miss Dogwood, 11th grade students.

Contestants are judged on how well they answer a personal interview question, their stage presence, and modeling of casual attire and evening wear. A talent display where cash prizes will be awarded is optional for the Miss Dogwood Contestants. Young ladies that place in the top three of the Miss Dogwood category will be awarded scholarships. The top winner in each age group will also receive a crown and will represent the Chamber at 2014 events.

The fee to enter is $20 per contestant and applications are available at the chamber office located at Governor Jim Hogg City Park. Those that have questions about the pageant may contact the chamber's executive director, Carey Fry, by calling 903-763-4411 or by email at .