Two local businesses are getting into the holiday spirit, and are encouraging residents to don their best attire to help those less fortunate.

Dancer’s Dreams Performing Arts Academy and Blind Raven Photography will host the inaugural Miss Harvest Princess charity pageant at their new location in Hampton on Saturday, Nov. 18, at noon to get into the Thanksgiving spirit.

Amy Simmons, director of Dancer’s Dreams, said the charity pageant will be put a unique spin compared to other competitions. Participants are asked to have one or more canned food donation – canned pumpkins, canned apples, canned corn, canned sweet potatoes or canned green beans – to go along with a $15 entry fee.

Donations gathered during the event will be then be provided to Second Harvest Food Bank, Simmons said. The organization is providing barrels to the Hampton studio to accept any donations from the public. A special trophy will also be provided to the contest that brings in the most donations, Simmons added.

Providing the opportunity is one way both businesses want to give back to the community, according to Simmons and Cati Arwood with Blind Raven Photography. The owners thanked the community for their support since their opening and added the Miss Harvest Princess pageant is just one of many ideas coming through the pipeline.

A Miss Harvest Princess will be crowned for each division; “Wee Miss” -– 2 years old, “Tiny Miss” – 3-5 years old, “Little Miss” – 6 to 10 years old, “Junior Miss” – 11-15 years old and “Senior Miss” – 16 years and older.

Extra competition categories are available, if desired. A talent competition is an additional $10 while photogenic competition is also $10. There will be two overall winners, one from talent and another from photogenic.

Simmons added that fathers, step fathers, grandfathers, uncles or guardians are also encouraged to participate and can walk out their contestant. Contestants are also asked to wear their “Thanksgiving Dinner Best” or most creative Thanksgiving Day-themed attire.

Residents wanting to assist with the businesses’ food drive can also stop by their office during regular business hours to drop off a food item.

To learn more about the food drive or participate in the pageant, call (540) 392-9138 or visit Dancer Dream’s Facebook page online.