Revamped scholarship competition returns to Brunswick County this weekend to crown community ambassadors and fund upcoming Independence Day festivities.
By BC News Staff Writer
SOUTHPORT, NC — A beloved piece of coastal heritage is stepping back into the spotlight this weekend. The 2026 Miss NC 4th of July Scholarship Pageant is officially scheduled to take place this Saturday, June 6, bringing a historic festival tradition back to the heart of Southport.
The event will kick off at 3:00 p.m. at the CMC Building at Southport Baptist Church, located at 102 E. Nash Street.
Southport has proudly hosted the official North Carolina 4th of July Festival for over two centuries, traditionally drawing between 40,000 and 50,000 visitors to the Brunswick County waterfront. For decades, the festival’s crowned queen served as a high-profile regional ambassador. Following a long hiatus, the festival committee has successfully reimagined the tradition as a modern, scholarship-based competition.
Unlike standard beauty pageants, organizers emphasize that this is a “natural” pageant experience. The competition is specifically designed to celebrate patriotism, community pride, public speaking, and confidence across multiple age-appropriate divisions, ranging from “Baby Miss” (ages 0–3) up to the “Miss” division (ages 19–24).
“This is an opportunity to showcase the poise and personality of young women from across Brunswick County and the wider region,” the festival committee shared. “Our philosophy focuses entirely on personal growth, self-confidence, and celebrating what makes each contestant unique.”
Crucially for the community, the pageant functions as a major fundraising engine for the summer festivities. All proceeds from the $25 general admission tickets and contestant entry fees directly benefit the non-profit NC 4th of July Festival, helping to keep Southport’s massive landmark Independence Day parade, fireworks, and community events funded for the upcoming July holiday.
Winners from Saturday’s divisions will secure educational scholarships, including a $2,500 prize for the top “Miss” division winner and will represent the town throughout the official festival lineup, including a formal public presentation on the Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn on July 3.
Doors open to the public just prior to the 3:00 p.m. start time on Saturday.
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