Ayden Collard Festival

Sept. 11-12, 2026

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Ayden Collard Festival

Sept. 11-12, 2026

Ayden Collard Festival Pageant

Pageant History

The Ayden Collard Festival Pageant began alongside the very first Collard Festival in 1975, when 15 young ladies competed for the inaugural crown. Cathy Stox was crowned the first Ayden Collard Queen. Since then, many young women have proudly earned the title, and many more have taken the stage to compete. Whether or not they left with a crown, participants gained confidence, developed lifelong friendships, and experienced the strong sense of belonging that defines this cherished small-town tradition. Some years, the ladies get to showcase their talents during the pageant and every year local entertainment is included in the event. The pageant includes awards that include a scholarship to the winner, further supporting the educational goals and future aspirations of its participants.

Like many community pageants, the Ayden Collard Festival Pageant reflects the charm and warmth of small-town life. It brings neighbors together in support of local youth, celebrates traditions, and serves as a platform for personal growth. Through competition, participants build communication skills, poise, resilience, and self-confidence—qualities that benefit them far beyond the stage. More than just an event, the pageant is a community celebration that strengthens local bonds and showcases the pride and spirit of Ayden. The passionate participation of townspeople as sponsors, organizers, volunteers and visitors is evidence of the community’s deep engagement and support.

Practices will begin the week of July 6, 2026 and will be on Monday nights for the two younger groups and on Thursday nights for the Queen category.

On the day of pageant:

  • Little Miss Collard – ladies in 1st – 4th Grades
    (for the 26-27 School year) Ages 6 to 10
  • Princess Collard – ladies in 5th – 8th Grades
    (for the 26-27 School year) Ages 10 to 14
  • Collard Queen – ladies in 9th – 12th Grades
    (for the 26-27 School year) Ages 14 to 19

Age Requirements

Contestant must meet ONE of these requirements:

  • Primary residence is served by Ayden Utilities
  • Primary residence is an Ayden address
  • Primary residence is in the Ayden school district.

Eligibility

2026 Pageant Details

2025 Ayden Collard Queen

2025 Pageant Winners:

Ayden Collard Queen – Ava Dail
Collard Princess – Alaina O’Neil
Little Miss Collard – Madelyn Grace Buie



Ayden Collard Queens
1975 - Cathy Stox
1976 - Audrey McCarter
1977 - Roberta Mitchell
1978 -Donna Arnold
1979 – Pat McDermott
1980 - Lisa Stein
1981 - DeeDee Lewandowski
1982 - Mary Dixon
1983 - Sherry Forrest
1984 - Wendy Rouse
1985 - Emily Whitehurst
1986 - April Devor
1987 - Bettina Loftin* Deceased 2004
1988 - Grace "Missy" Daughtry
1989 - Terri Craft
1990 - Crystal Miller
1991 - Stacy Bowen
1992 - Kerry Stewart
1993 - Shuntae Hicks
1994 - Genevive Lawrence
1995 - Stacey White
1996 - Mandy Carroll
1997 - LeAnne Wilson
1998 - Cassie Stox
1999 - Hope Dail
2000 - Megan Cannon
2001 - Julie Cox
2002 - Amanda Carter
2003 - Christina Midgette
2004 - Morgan Broeme
2005 – Fallon Speaker
2006 - Lindsey Richardson
2007 - Allison Scott

Miss Ayden
2008 - Katheryn Tyner
2009 - Nikki Starnes
2010 - Raven Creech
2011 - Logan Moseley
2012 - Caylene Tripp
2013 - Jennifer Riggs
2014 - Amanda Speer
2015 – Rachel Speight
2016 - Joy Turnage
2017 - Omega Cogdell
2018 - Caitlyn Tripp
2019 - Kathryn Pressey

2024
Ayden Collard Queen – Destiny Freeman
Collard Princess – Sophia Kessel
Little Miss Collard – Charlotte Adams

Former Ayden Collard Queens and Miss Ayden

Pageant Location and Dates:

Ayden Arts and Recreation Center
4354 Lee Street
Ayden, NC 28513

Both pageants will be held in the auditorium at the


The Little Miss Collard and the Collard Princess pageants will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026

The Collard Queen pageant will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026

DATES:

Thanks to our Sponsors!

The Ayden Collard Festival is sincerely thankful for the businesses and individuals who have sponsored the festival for the last fifty years.
Thanks to the generous contributions over the last several years, we are able to offer this festival without seeking additional sponsorships.