The annual Little Mr and Miss Waterfest Contest was held on Saturday, June 22nd at the Rite-Way Main Stage of Waterfest. This crowd favorite tradition allowed children aged 4 through 11 to showcase their personalities and talents in a contest to win the title of 2024’s Little Miss or Mr Waterfest. With twelve contestants this year, the town’s youngest residents showed their excitement in their participation in the event.
Organizer Kalyn Goode took on full responsibility 7 years ago when the opportunity arose. Kalyn is very active in the community, owning a salon, organizing kids activities for Waterfest, and making herself available to help when needed. When asked about its humble beginnings to its impact now, Kalyn stated, “It’s grown into this huge thing, a one day event, where we are one of the main attractions on Saturday. It is so interactive and it’s just fun!” She attributes this growth to the support from the community year after year.
The children taking part in this event get to experience many incentives throughout the year for their participation. Each year, the children get to do a practice round with Kayln before taking the stage for their final acts. They also get to ride in the Waterfest Parade that was held on Saturday morning. In addition to this, each child is awarded a small gift and medal for their participation and good attitudes. The winners of the contest are awarded the title of Mr and Miss Waterfest 2024 and crowned as such. They also get to do a meet and greet with their new fans, ride in a float for the town’s Homecoming parade, and receive their own Christmas tree display at the Hall of Waters during the holiday season. The Grand Prize also includes a photography session with Captured by Lani Michelle which totals up to a $200 value.
Upon the start of each child’s round, they are asked a questionnaire by Kalyn Goode about them and their favorite things such as their families, pets, schools, and hobbies. They are also asked to perform a special talent for the audience and judges which is a crowd favorite. The crowd saw everything from renditions of country songs, chants and cheers, and even a comedy act. Lastly, the children are asked the most important question: ‘Why do you want to be Mr/Miss Waterfest 2024?’ Each answer from the children varied, but no answer lacked the child’s own authenticity and charm which the judges loved!
This year’s competition judges consisted of 3 past winners of Mr and Miss Waterfest: the Excelsior Springs Police Department’s School Resource Officer Samantha Nash-St. John, and a few of Kalyn’s trusted friends and family. Kriston Mosley, Good Samaritan Center employee, supplied the crowns, capes, and scepters for the winners. The criteria judges are looking for in the winners of this contest are someone who exhibits kindness throughout the whole process, whoever had the most crowd involvement and reactions, and the best reason for why they want to hold the title of the winner. This year also had a theme involved. Any contestant who fit the red, white, and blue theme got extra points added to their final scores. Each contestant was decked out in full USA wear for the occasion.
When the contest came to a conclusion, it was announced that the 2024 Little Mr and Miss Waterfest are Scout Powell (son of Jeremy and Kimberly Powell) and Asa Cockrum (daughter of Jacob and Amanda Cockrum). Both dazzled the judges with their unique talents and great on-theme outfits. Scout’s recitation of a 4th of July themed poem entitled, “Rocket in My Pocket” was the first time a child had ever done poetry as their talent which resonated well with the theme and judges. Asa’s bright personality and her experience in the contest last year helped her secure this year’s crown. Scout and Asa will now be the reigning winners and fulfill the duties of the throne until next year’s contest.
Kayln loves doing this for the community and she can’t wait to see Scout and Asa throughout the year. She said, “I like getting to see them just do their thing. After the contest is probably my favorite because they are so interactive and they get to be the King and the Queen for the whole year!” As for Scout and Asa, they are just as excited as Kalyn!
For more information on Kalyn Goode’s Salon click here
For more information on Captured by Lani Michelle click here
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