BAY MINETTE, Alabama — Twenty-three contestants are poised to take part in the inaugural Miss Heritage Pageant, set for Friday, May 5, at the Douglasville School of Arts & Recreation.

The event begins at 7 p.m. and will serve as a time to promote self-confidence, self-esteem and communication skills. Organizers said contestants will represent their community while embracing individual cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Contestants ages 3 to 13 will compete in one of three age divisions for the titles of Petite Miss, Little Miss and Miss Heritage. This year’s theme is “Shine Your Light” and will contestants will compete in fitness, casual wear, and evening wear. Questions will be asked during the on-stage Q&A portion that will focus on community and youth involvement.

Tickets are $7 each and can be purchased in advanced from contestants or at the door the night of the event.

The program is sponsored by Youth Action Entertainment Inc. The vision of the organization is to engage, inspire and educate the youth through visual and performing arts while providing family-centered entertainment. The pageant is an effort to broaden the organization’s outreach, drive membership, and raise funds for a winter theatre production.

For more information, email youthactionentertainment@gmail.com or call Chrysanthemum Norman at 251-402-5621.