Join contestants for an adventure in NeverLand

Posted on October 7, 2026

The Florida Forest Festival’s annual “Little King & Queen Pageant” will be held Saturday, Oct. 10, at Forest Capital Hall, starting at 6 p.m.

Some 23 contestants will compete for the crown in a Peter Pan “Adventures to NeverLand” themed ceremonies.

Co-Chairs Amy Shiver and Angie Turner invite parents, families and friends to come out and support their young princes and princesses.

Loomis Shiver returns as emcee for the event.

Admission is $10, and programs will be available for $10 each (cash only).

Contestants will be dressed as their favorite Peter Pan character for the opening number.

The contestants will then compete in a career segment showcasing “What I Want to Be When I Grow Up.”

Next will be the formal wear segment.

Entertainment will include performancesfrom 2018 Little Queen Elynn Lago; Demi & Junior Legacy Dance Company with Taylor Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Dance & Theatre; and newly-crowned 2026 Miss Florida Forest Festival Queen Briana Edwards.

Reigning 2025 Little King Arlen Collins and Little Queen Everlee Smyrnios will say a final farewell before helping crown the 2026 winners.

Concessions — cash only — will be available courtesy of Taylor County Middle School FFA.

Taylor County’s junior royalty will lead the Florida Forest Festival Kids’ Parade, which will be held Friday, Oct. 23, in downtown Perry.

They will join Edwards in the festival’s King Tree Parade, which will be held Saturday, Oct. 24, starting at 9:30 a.m.