Contestants sparkle at annual Krist Kindl Pageant

By PAMELA GRANT

Cove Leader-Press

Dozens of boys, girls, and women donned their most impressive dresses (or suits in the case of the boys) and showed off as they competed in the 7th Annual Krist Kindl Charity Pageant.

The nearly 70 contestants competed, not just for the titles and crowns, but to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association. The Charity Pageant started just after 10 a.m. Saturday at the Copperas Cove Civic Center. Women of all ages were invited to compete as well as boys ages 0-8 years old with the women being divided into age groups. All 68 competitors received an envelope with at least $100 worth of gift certificates donated by the community as well as a custom medal. Placing finalists also received trophies and the winner of each division received a tiara and a sash with their title on it.

This year’s event raised nearly $4,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association.

“This year’s Christmas charity pageant is to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association. I chose to do it in honor of my grandma, Tru Chase, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. She is currently in a memory care facility,” said Young Miss Five Hills Emily Kimball.

Kimball said that the Alzheimer’s Association recently funded groundbreaking research which will hopefully help to slow down Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. She said that she ultimately hopes that they will be able to find a cure.

“It feels very humbling because I get to visit with some of the Alzheimer’s patients and I get to learn more about this disease every day. When I first learned that my grandmother had Alzheimer’s, I knew nothing about it, but fundraising has helped me to learn more about it,” said Kimball. She said that she is privileged to be able to be a part of raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. “I’m one small part of a big organization that’s helping to find a cure for this disease.

Kimball said that she was glad so many people showed up to support the charity pageant and added that she hopes the competitors had fun and were able to make new friends.

Cadence Coombs was one of Saturday’s competitors. Coombs said that she loved the fact that the pageant was raising money for the Alzheimer’s Assocation. Coombs was very surprised when she won first place in her division.

“I really didn’t think I was going to win, but I did,” said Cadence Coombs after winning the title of Junior Miss Krist Kindl. “I thought #3 was going to win!”

For some, getting onstage is nerve-wracking, but for others, like Isrielle Crockett (4), it’s “problem solved” as she took first place in her division, earning the title of Miniature Miss Krist Kindl.

“I’m happy,” said Isrielle about her victory showing off her trophy. “I knew I was gonna win.”

Isrielle said that she had a lot of fun and enjoyed picking out her dress for the pageant alongside her mother and grandmother.

“It was exhilarating. I have a rush of emotions. I’m very proud,” said Isrielle’s mother, Stephanie Crockett about her daughter’s win. “I think it’s a great opportunity for the kids to get out and interact with each other, especially with Covid. Alot of them don’t have the opportunity to get out and interact, so this was an opportunity for her to get out and see kids her age, and the cause is good too.”

The new royalty featured on a special Domino’s Pizza float in Saturday night’s Copperas Cove Christmas Parade. They will also be featured in the Killeen Christmas Parade Dec 11.

The 2021 Krist Kindl Pageant Winners:

Baby Miss: Maliyah Banks

Tiny Miss:  Jianna Hendrix

Miniature Miss:  Isrielle Crockett

Little Miss:  Joslynn Coombs

Junior Miss:  Kadence Coombs

King:  Jordan Hendrix, Jr. 

Preteen Miss:  Hayley Sawyer

Teen Miss:  Elise Fuselier

Ms.:  Ashley Coombs

Senior Ms.:  Bonnie Turner