The 2025 Radiant Striped Bass Festival Beauty Pageant brought glitz, grace, and plenty of sparkle to Weldon Auditorium on March 29, as contestants from across the region competed for crowns in various age divisions. The event, presented by the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Georgia Pacific OSB Clarendon, drew a large and enthusiastic crowd.
Leading this year’s pageant was Director Dixie Powell Elliott, affectionately known as “Mrs. Dixie” to her students at Carolina Dance Academy, which she has owned for 18 years. Elliott stepped into the world of pageantry 12 years ago when two of her dancers were crowned Miss Clarendon and Miss Clarendon Teen.
“She believes true beauty comes from within and that confidence makes every contestant a winner,” said the chamber in a post introducing Elliott. “She can’t wait to see everyone shine on stage this year.”
And shine they did. With smiles, poise, and personality, the young ladies competed for titles in several categories, with top winners including:
Baby Miss Striped Bass Festival – Kimberly Atkinson
Tiny Miss Striped Bass Festival – Harper Rossi
Petite Miss Striped Bass Festival – Kolbie Scott
Wee Miss Striped Bass Festival – Maddie Grace Hodge
Little Miss Striped Bass Festival – Eliza Brown
Young Miss Striped Bass Festival – Lillian Bryant
Teen Miss Striped Bass Festival – Charleston Hodge
Miss Striped Bass Festival – Maggie Epperson
The competition also featured “Sweetheart” and “Photogenic” awards in each division. Annabelle White earned dual recognition as both the Overall Wee Miss Sweetheart and the Overall Striped Bass Sweetheart, highlighting her standout performance across categories.
Pageant photographers from Oak + Lens by Amber Murley captured each special moment, while organizers praised the bravery and talent of all participants.
For a full list of winners and more festival updates, visit Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page.
