On Saturday, September 20, the annual Wayne City Bean Days Bean Queen Pageant was held from 6 p.m.to 11 p.m., filled with sparkles and fun.
This year, the pageant a new director took over the organizing responsibilities, Tesia Maxey. She changed the pageant back to having an interview and onstage questions. Maxey said, “I truly believe this year’s Bean Queen pageant raised the bar from years past. My goal was to showcase each contestant and give every girl her own moment to shine. More than anything, I wanted this event to be something our community would not only enjoy in the moment, but also remember for years to come, and I think I achieved just that.”
The Miss Bean Queen pageant took place after the Junior and Little Miss pageants. The high school ladies had the opportunity to interview the night before with the judges. At the pageant, the contestants did a walk across the stage, ending with an onstage question asked by retiring Miss Bean Queen, senior Katelyn Catron.
When the crowning began, the new Little Miss and Junior Miss helped Catron with awarding each contestant. The awards included Prettiest Eyes, Prettiest Smile, Prettiest Hair, Most Unique, Miss Congeniality, first and second runners-up, and Miss Bean Queen.
After crowning the “Prettiest” girls and the Most Unique, they moved on to the “Miss” titles. Junior Ava Shaw was crowned Miss Congeniality. The competing contestants voted on who would receive this title. Next, second runner-up, Senior Jacey Smith, was crowned. Last before Miss Bean Queen, the first runner-up, Harper Beehn, a sophomore, was given her sash. Beehn said, “I was so proud of myself when I won first runner-up. I was even more proud that one of my best friends won Miss Bean Queen.”
Last, the Miss Bean Queen was crowned. Ava Minor (11) was crowned as the 2025 Miss Bean Queen. Minor said, “I just did the Bean Queen Pageant to wear my prom dress again, so winning was a huge surprise. I am so excited for this upcoming year with the other queens. I know we will do so much for the community, and we will have a lot of fun doing it.”
