The 2026 Miss Spirit of Blossomtime Pageant will take place this weekend, giving first runners-up from Blossomtime communities an additional opportunity to compete for festival royalty.
Eighteen young women are expected to compete for the title of Miss Spirit of Blossomtime 2026. The winner will be crowned by reigning Miss Spirit of Blossomtime 2025 Avery Valenti of St. Joseph.
According to Blossomtime Festival President Anna Abdelnour, the Miss Spirit pageant is open exclusively to contestants who were named first runner-up in their respective community pageants.
“It is for all the young ladies who’ve already been crowned as their first runner-up in the communities,” Abdelnour said. “They have an opportunity to compete for the title of Miss Spirit, and one young woman will be chosen to travel with the other community queens and attend all the Blossomtime events.”
The Miss Spirit of Blossomtime winner becomes part of the official Blossomtime entourage and is eligible to compete in future festival events. The titleholder will advance to the Showcase of Queens and Mr. Blossomtime Pageant on Sunday, April 12, and is eligible for all queen awards presented that evening. She may also compete for the title of Miss Blossomtime during the Miss Blossomtime Pageant on Monday, April 13, at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center in Benton Harbor.
Abdelnour said judges look for the same qualities emphasized throughout the Blossomtime program, including community involvement and personal character.
“They’re looking for someone who is outgoing, committed to her community, and who wants to serve others,” she said.
She also highlighted the broader benefits of participating in Blossomtime pageants, noting that former contestants often credit the experience with helping them develop confidence, interview skills and poise.
“It’s not just the glamour people see on stage,” Abdelnour said. “It’s the confidence and grace they gain, and the belief that anything is possible with hard work.”
In addition to personal development, participants are eligible for scholarship opportunities that help support future education.
Abdelnour encouraged the public to attend Saturday’s pageant and upcoming Blossomtime events in April, including the Showcase of Queens and Mr. Blossomtime Pageant on April 12 and the Miss Blossomtime Pageant on April 13.
She also thanked the community for its continued support of the festival, noting that Blossomtime operates as a nonprofit organization.
“Without the public, we wouldn’t be able to operate and continue on as we do,” Abdelnour said.
The pageant is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24, at 5 p.m. at the St. Joseph High School Auditorium. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and will be available at the Blossomtime office or at the door. Payment will be accepted by cash or check. More information and tickets are available through the Blossomtime office at 269-982-8016.
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Pictured above: Reigning Miss Spirit of Blossomtime 2025 Avery Valenti of St. Joseph. Image courtesy Blossomtime organizers.
