Little Miss Tomato pageant goes on despite the rain

FREDERICKTOWN — Rain may have put a damper on parts of the 49th Fredericktown Tomato Show, but it didn’t stop 16 six-year-olds from taking the stage for the Little Miss Tomato Pageant.

Dressed in long, red gowns, the contestants ran onto the Main Street stage. Bubbles surrounded the girls as they twirled American flags and waved to their families on the stands below.

However, the event quickly stalled after two interviews when a storm rolled through the area.

Contestants passed the time by singing a rendition of “Rain Rain Go Away” for the waiting crowd huddled under nearby pavilions.

The show moved inside to the nearby Brake Brothers Grill, where the rest of the contestants answered questions for an adoring crowd. Contestants spoke about their siblings, pets and what they did this summer.

While the judges counted votes, the rainstorm outside was forgotten as the contestants began to jump around and dance to a song of their own creation.

But in the end, only one girl could be crowned this year’s Little Miss Tomato.

Audriana Shipley, who wants to be a cheerleader when she grows up, excitedly accepted the crown and trophy.

Her fellow contenders had nothing but support to share from the crowd as Shipley and the runner-up winners gathered for photos.