National Sweetheart Pageant, PO Box 28, Hoopeston, IL (2026)

As is common to most festivals in this area, a pageant was held to name a local girl, chosen by popular vote of the persons in attendance, to reign over the celebration. In 1939, local judges were responsible for selection of the Sweetcorn Queen. In 1940, the canning and canning-related industries of Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Iowa, and Wisconsin were persuaded to send a contestant to Ho

opeston to vie for the title. Since the festival and pageant now had persons in attendance from several states, the name "Hoopeston Sweetcorn Festival" was changed in 1941 to the "National Sweetcorn Festival" and "Miss Sweetcorn" became "National Sweetheart". The Junior Chamber of Commerce assumed the sponsorship of the festival and pageant following World War II and has continued to the present. They followed the same format until 1952, when the Jaycees invited the 1st runners-up from their respective states' Miss America pageants. At the same time, judges from the Miss America circuit were invited to judge the pageant. The idea was to bring national recognition to the pageant, as well as provide a training pageant for girls who may wish to reenter their states' Miss America competition in future years. The same traditions and goals remain a vital part of the National Sweetheart Pageant today. Nine contestants from our National Sweetheart Pageant have become Miss America. Pam Eldred, Miss America 1970; Rebecca King, Miss America 1974; Grace E. Turner, Miss America 1990; Carolyn Sapp, Miss America 1992; Leanza Cornett, Miss America 1993; Tara Dawn Holland, Miss America 1997, Katie Marie Harman, Miss America 2002, Caressa Cameron, Miss America 2010. We provide a distinguished panel of judges for this event and all contestants compete in swimsuit, evening gown/on stage question, parade wear and talent.

09/28/2025

Congratulations to our Sweetheart on being crowned 2026 Memphis Volunteer! We are so excited for you Maleia and can’t wait to see you at Tennessee Volunteer in July! Congratulations sweetheart, we couldn’t be more proud of you!

09/22/2025

A huge congratulations to the two former sweethearts crowned this weekend in their respective pageants! Gracelyn Eaves (Tennessee) and Sam Robbins (Indiana) you are both incredible and your sweetheart family cannot wait to follow your journeys throughout the year!!!

09/11/2025

In memory of 9/11, we hold close the lives lost, the strength of survivors, and the unity that endures. 🤍 🇺🇸

09/08/2025

It is so important to empower and uplift other young women in pageantry and our Miss America and Miss America Teen have done just that by setting the course for our future Sweethearts and Miss Volunteer America titleholders! Congrats Cassie Donegan, Miss America 2026, who was Miss New York Volunteer 2024 and Tess Ferm, Miss America’s Teen 2026, was our Miss South Carolina Teen Volunteer 2023. Having both placed top 5 in Miss Volunteer America national pageants their story was not over and continued on their journey in the Miss America system.

We need to remember it is about these young women living out their story, not the systems they compete in along their path of success. Its about their year ahead living their dream and touching lives while inspiring us and so many young ladies who can see themselves in Tess and Cassie. Competing in Miss Volunteer did not hold them back, they are setting an example of dreaming big and going for it! The experience, the growth, the confidence you gain here only sets you up for more success.

Congratulations Tess and Cassie, may your year be incredible and full of blessings and happiness.

🎉✨ Huge congratulations to Tess Ferm, Miss SC Teen Volunteer 2023, on being crowned Miss America’s Teen 2026! Your hard work, dedication, and heart for service have truly paid off! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see all the incredible things you’ll accomplish during your reign and far beyond! 🌟👑

Also, an enormous shoutout to Cassie Donegan, Miss New York Volunteer 2024, on being named Miss America 2026! Your passion for service and commitment to making a difference shine brighter than ever! 💙

We are so proud to have had you both on the National Miss Volunteer America pageant stage, and we’re thrilled to see your journey continue as national titleholders. Wishing you both an unforgettable year full of service, growth, and amazing memories!

Address

PO Box 28
Hoopeston, IL
60942

Website

http://www.hoopestonjaycees.org/pageant, http://www.hoopestonjaycees.org/pageant/ticket/default.html, https://thenationa

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