Rules & Regulations

1. Contest open to any boy or girl ages 4, 5 & 6 as of July 3, 2008 who is a Missouri resident

2. Contest is limited to the first 100 applications. Applications will be processed in the order received and up until June 22nd. In the event your child’s application is not accepted, your registration fee and photo will be returned.

3. All photos submitted become the property of Salute to America Foundation and will not be returned. Submitted photos will be published in a special 4th of July section of the News Tribune and may also be used for future promotional purposes.

4. Photographs and/or videos taken during the contest may be used for future promotional purposes in print, electronic and otherwise at the sole discretion of the organizer and sponsors. The winners must remain on the stage at the conclusion of the contest to pose for additional photographs.

5. A parent or legal guardian must be present with the child at all times during the registration process and contest. Other friends and family accompanying the contestant must be seated in the spectator section.

6. The winners will represent the festival and may be called up to appear at various promotional opportunities throughout the year.

7. The winners will ride in the 2009 Salute to America Parade and participate as reining King and Queen at the 2009 Little Mr. and Miss Independence Contest.

Procedures and Judging

1. The contest is to be held at the Downtown Jefferson City.com Stage at Madison on July 3rd beginning at approximately 7:00 pm. You must be on sight to check in your child from 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm at the registration table located behind the stage.

2. At onsite registration each child will be assigned a number and a group. The child’s number should be clearly visible to the MC and judges.

3. Contestants and one parents will be seated until it is time for their group to be called to the staging area.

4. Each child must walk across the stage to the MC who will ask the contestant his/her name and age plus one additional question. Parents may not accompany the child onto the stage.

5. Upon completion, the child and his/her parent will leave the stage area, receive their goodie bag and return to their seats.

6. Three independent judges will evaluate each child and assign points based on: representation of the patriotic theme, stage presence, personality and the picture submitted.

7. The judges will bring back to the stage the top five girls and top five boys for a final round of judging. Each child will be asked additional questions by the MC.

8. The judges will then announce the name of the winners of the Little Mr. and Miss Independence 2008 who will be awarded a crown/tiara, sash, trophy and other prizes including a $100 savings bond from River Region Credit Union.

Contest Entry Application

It's easy to enter your child in this contest. Simply download the PDF application form or pick up an application at either River Region Credit Union locations.

2009 Schotthill Woods Drive

3608 West Truman Blvd.