The 2015 Cutie King and Queen were Jozie Mishler and Cohen Tom. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

NORTH WEBSTER — The Mermaid Festival Cutie Contest is once again scheduled to search for Cutie royalty and their court to give educational scholarship winnings.

Since 1950, the North Webster Mermaid Festival Cutie Contest has recognized children for their ability to charm.
The very first Cutie King and Queen were Jack Rhoades and Kay Kruger, who are still North Webster residents. Through the years, there have been both local and long distant winners.

The tradition continues each year as residents and visitors alike enjoy the festivity that the event provides. The contest has been a crowd favorite over the years. The fun of seeing the children on stage excited and waving to the crowd is sure to melt audience members’ hearts.

The intent of the contest is to find a child to represent the Mermaid Festival community for years to come. Children are judged on their attitude, cooperation, suitable attire, self confidence and overall appearance. The judges are looking for a polished child that will represent the event well. Impartial judges from outside Kosciusko County are provided for the contest.

The contest will be held 7 p.m. Friday, June 24, at the North Webster Community Center.

There is an admission fee of $5 for all adults and $2 for children not participating in the pageant.

The following educational bonds will be awarded: Cutie King and Cutie Queen, $5,000; second place in both categories, $2,500; third place in both categories, $1,500; and fourth place in both categories, $1,000.

More information can be found at the Mermaid Festival facebook page, or by calling (574) 834-4316.