POINT PLEASANT — One local pageant is celebrating 10 years in September.

The Point Pleasant Battle Days Pageant first began in 2000 with the crowning of Little Miss, Little Mister, Young Miss and Miss Battle Days. Through the years, the pageant has grown and a Junior Miss age division was added. One thing that doesn’t change though is this pageant has been and continues to be the biggest fundraiser for Toys for Kids.

“I look forward to the money raised for toys,” Brandy Barkey, director of the pageant, said.

Toys for Kids provides toys for less fortunate children and their families at Christmas.

Barkey is hoping for a big turnout this year.

“The number of girls competing in some local pageants is down. I encourage girls to compete in this pageant because it is fun and you form friendships.” Barkey said.

This year’s pageant will feature the reigning queens as well as former queens.

“I would love to see all the former queens come back,” Barkey said. She added that they might be featured in the opening number of the pageant. In addition, the opening may also feature some entertainment made by former dancers and escorts.

Barkey encourages the public to attend the pageant and help support the local girls competing as well as help Toys for Kids raise money for toys.

The Battle Days Pageant will be September 27, 2009 at the Point Pleasant Junior Senior High School Auditorium. Applications are available at Victoria’s Prom & Bridal. The deadline to enter is Friday, July 31.