HERRIN -- Along with area businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic has also affected local organizations in their efforts to continue community support.
The Herrin Woman's Club is one of those organizations
Although the club is based in Herrin and funds several scholarships for Herrin High School students, it also lends support across the county to several organizations including the Lighthouse Shelter in Marion and veterans groups.
"We gave out everything we had last year," said club member Karen Sala.
With no way to hold fundraising events, Sala said members were brainstorming ideas when someone called her and suggested a virtual pageant.
After considering it, Sala, who has over five decades of pageant experience, decided it could be done.
After quickly deciding on a format, the group is hosting the "Miss and Mr. Baby Liberty Pageants."
And it's all being done with proper social distancing the week of July 4.
The "pageant" is for children from birth through age 5.
There are categories for both boys and girls in four areas: head shot, me and my pet, personality interview, and talent/presentation.
For the head shot, children should be dressed in red, white, blue or a combination of the three.
Sala said the "me and my pet" photo could be a photo with a live pet or a stuffed animal.
The video "interview" will consist of questions provided by the club. The "talent" can be anything from crying on cue to singing a song or even reciting a bedtime prayer.
"Be creative," said Sala.
Age categories are divided into three levels, birth to age 1 as of July 4, 2020, age 2-3 as of July 4, 2020, and age 4-5, as of July 4, 2020.
Contestants can enter a single category or all four categories.
The first place winner in each category/age will get a crown. There will also be an overall winner. To be considered for that, the contestant must enter at least two of the four categories.
The entry fee is $20 for the first category and $5 for each additional category.
For further information or an application, email HWClibertypageant@yahoo.com, or call Sala at (618) 922-6264.
Entries must be received by June 17.
There is no geographical limit for entry. In fact, Sala and the club members hope to draw from everywhere.
"We need to make money to continue giving," she said. "This will be a fun way to do it."
The winners will be announced via social media on July 2.
