Amanda Baird and Crissy Alter have long histories involving beauty pageants. Their children have competed in pageants across the state of Georgia for the last several years. Baird had competed in the Miss Georgia USA Pageant in 2002. Both women share a love for pageants and they have their own dislikes for the events as well. So together, they decided to form Pageants of Hope, to bring forth everything they enjoy about pageants to Covington. They will be hosting the inaugural 2010 Miss Covington Pageant on Aug. 14.

The pageant features 10 female divisions categorized by age groups. There will be a "Ms." category, aimed at those 22 years old and over. Mother and daughter duets and a young boys division are also available for competition. The pageant offers discounts for sibling entries.

Participants will be judged on a 1 -10 scale, with 10 being the highest. Judges will make their decisions based on overall appearance, first impression, beauty, poise and personality. The winner (Queen/King) in each division will receive a rhinestone tiara/crown, monogrammed sash, flowers and a large trophy. Runner-ups will be awarded a trophy and a sash.

The grand princess will be determined by the number of pageant points a contestant accumulates. Each competitor has the option to sell "beauty bucks," each worth one point. In addition, they can sell ads that will be placed in the event program. Ad sizes vary, with the larger ad worth more pageant points.

There will also be an optional category, where contestants will compete for prettiest hair, eyes, smile, dress and most photogenic. Winners will receive medals. Victors in the mother/daughter category will each be awarded a tiara and embroidered sash. Regardless, there will be no losers in this competition; all participants will receive a trophy. All queens will be invited to ride in Covington’s Christmas parade.

"We plan to have all the girls get involved in Covington events, so we can get them drawn into these community activities like volunteer work at a nursing home. Then we plan to donate a portion of all the proceeds to several children’s charities like St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital," Alter said.

The event will be held at Eastside High School auditorium from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Contestants are urged to arrive at the pageant 30 minutes prior to start time. Doors open at 9:15 a.m.

Though registration officially closed on Aug. 7, applications will be accepted. For cost of registration, admission and rules, visit http://pageantsofhope.com/ or their facebook page or call (770) 828-7574.