BENTON HARBOR — If you have a child between the ages of 6 years old by Nov. 7, 2010, and not more than 9 years old by that same date, who would like to participate in the Blossomtime Festival’s Bud Prince and Princess Pageant, entry forms are available by calling the Blossomtime Festival office at 926-7397 or by visiting its  Web site: www.blossomtimefestival.org to download an application. 

There will be an informational and get-acquainted meeting held Wednesday evening, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m. at the Holiday Express Inn, 3019 Lakeshore Drive, St. Joseph. 

Contestants must reside with a parent or legal guardian and maintain a permanent, year-round residence within southwest Michigan.

The Blossomtime Festival Bud Prince and Princess take an active role in the festival by serving as grand marshals of the youth parade and participate in many other Blossomtime events, including the fashion show, coronation ball and  blessing of the blossoms. 

All contestants who participate in the pageant are eligible to ride on the Bud Prince and Princess Float in the Blossomtime Festival’s Grand Floral Parade on May 7, 2011.

The competition will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, at the Dowagiac Middle School Performing Arts Center. 

The deadline to enter is Monday, Oct. 11.