Melody Kinser
Let them eat cake — and they did. Contestants in the Tiny/Little Miss Tomato Festival Pageant enjoyed cake and punch after they strolled by the judges’ table and participated in a question-and-answer segment with pageant director/emcee Lynn Watson.

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Will saying the Hanover tomato is a favorite food influence the judges in the Tiny/Little Miss Tomato Festival Pageant? That answer won’t be revealed until July 11, when the 31st Annual Hanover County Tomato Festival fills Pole Green Park.

On Sunday, girls ranging in age from 3 to 7 competed in two divisions for the titles at the Black Creek Volunteer Fire Department. The winners will be announced at 10:30 a.m. during the festival, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Black Creek VFD started the Tomato Festival in 1978 as a way to give back to the community and pay tribute to the Hanover tomato.

Pageant director Lynn Watson served as emcee and asked the girls several questions, including favorite toys and summer plans.

Some contestants were somewhat shy, while others did not hesitate to take the microphone. There also were moments of pulling at dresses and making eye contact with mommy while seated next to Watson.

In addition to Hanover tomatoes, macaroni and cheese, pizza, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and blueberry waffles were among the answers for favorite food. One contestant said Hamburger Helper is a favorite food, because it combines macaroni and hamburger.

Just about all the girls agreed that swimming at the pool and going to the beach would top their summer plans.

As for toys, Barbies and Littlest Pet Shop topped the list. With pets, the girls talked about cats, dogs, a bunny, a guinea pig, and horses.

Taking part in the Tiny Miss Pageant were:- Emma Grace Allgood.
- McKinley Taylor Duke.
- Leah Jade Long.
- Raegan Magruder.
- McKenzie Martin.
- Jada Oakcrum.
- Isabella Ogden.
- Madelyn James Powell.
- Peyton Maryalice Reyes.
- Delaney Rowe.
- Eva Rowe.
- Serenity Wright.

Little Miss contestants were:- Kaylee Gabriel.
- Kaylee Gagnon.
- Madison Huffman.
- Taylor Brooke Keels.
- Emma Nelson.
- Elyssa Parker.
- Ava Catherine Piland.
- Hailey Rombow.
- Lily Rowe.
- Lily Kate Sanderford.
- Ashlee Smith.
- Ally Trivette.
- Jayde Tucker.
- Madison Lynne Vaughan.
- Madison Wagner.
- Sydney Waldrop.

Chelsea Acree, Junior Miss Mechanicsville 2009, stood by the contestants, helping as necessary.

Serving as judges were John Fibbiani, Sandy Watson and Jessica Zaremski.

Working with Lynn Watson on the pageant were Rachel Leber, assistant director; and Lisa Balsom, Beverly Spruill and Sherry Woods, pageant assistants.

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Pole Green Park is located at 8996 Pole Green Park Lane in Mechanicsville. The Tomato Festival is presented by the Black Creek Volunter Fire Department, Hanover Parks and Recreation, The Herald Progress and The Mechanicsville Local.