01/26/2026
Why It’s Called “Granny Smith”: The Story Behind the Miss Lincoln County Granny Smith Pageant
If you’ve ever wondered why the Miss Lincoln County Granny Smith Pageant carries such a unique and playful name, the answer is rooted in tradition, community pride, and a love for all things apple.
The story begins in 1978, when the Business & Professional Women’s Organization of Lincolnton (BPW) launched the Miss Lincoln County Apple Queen Scholarship Pageant. Open to young women from their senior year of high school through age 22 while enrolled in college, the pageant was created to celebrate leadership, scholarship, and service.
The title “Apple Queen” was chosen to honor the apple industry’s significant impact on Lincoln County. Each year, the Apple Queen reigns over the annual Apple Festival, continuing a cherished local tradition. In 2025, BPW proudly crowned Apple Queen #47, and the legacy continues.
Several years ago, pageant directors sought to expand this tradition by creating a new opportunity — one that would celebrate women later in life while giving back in a meaningful way. Their vision was a pageant for women who live or work in Lincoln County, allowing participants to raise funds for a local charity of their choice, serve the community alongside the Apple Queen, and help BPW support its Working Women’s Scholarship Program.
To maintain a connection to the Apple Queen Pageant, the directors selected a name that cleverly played on a familiar apple variety — and the “Granny Smith” Pageant was born.
The Miss Lincoln County Granny Smith Pageant is designed to be engaging, entertaining, and fun. Contestants compete in decade wear from their high school years, Sunday best, and answer an onstage question related to the year they were born. Participants are also encouraged to show their personality and sense of humor through lighthearted onstage antics.
Despite its name, participants do not need to be “grannies.” Eligibility requirements include:
• 55 years of age or older
• Live or work in Lincoln County
• Support a local charity
Supported charities may include churches or established nonprofit organizations such as Child Advocacy Centers, Relay for Life, Communities in Schools, and other local causes.
The most impactful aspect of the Granny Smith Pageant is the financial support it provides to BPW’s Working Women’s Scholarship Program, which assists women already in the workforce who are pursuing additional licensures, certifications, degrees, or certificates to advance their careers.
The Miss Lincoln County Granny Smith Pageant will take place on March 7. Applications must be submitted by February 1.
For application information or additional details, contact
📧 [email protected]
At its heart, the Granny Smith Pageant reflects BPW’s mission to empower women to grow, learn, and succeed in the workplace, while also emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community.
