Thirteen teenaged girls from Caldwell County will take center stage at the Caldwell County Fairgrounds as they vie for the title of Miss Teen Caldwell County Fair 2009-2010.

The annual pageant will be Saturday, Oct. 10 at 1 p.m. in the Jim Andrews Building of the Caldwell County Agricultural Fairgrounds.

Contestants range in age from 15-17 and represent the county's five high schools for the competition, directed by Roxanne Smith and Fallon Barlowe.

The contestants for this year's pageant are:

* Ashley Brewer, 16, West Caldwell High School, daughter of James and Patricia Stump

* Lauren Clontz, 15, West Caldwell High School, daughter of Wayne and Robin Clontz

* Katherine Ervin, 15, Hibriten High School, daughter of Renee Moore

* Stephanie Hammond, 17, West Caldwell High School, daughter of Steve and Denise Hammond

* Hailey Hendren, 17, South Caldwell High School, daughter of Larry and Geraldine Hendren

* Bailee Hughes, 17, South Caldwell High School, daughter of Ron and Pam Hughes

* Kaylen Kent, 16, Hibriten High School, daughter of Bill and Kathy Kent

* Casey Murphy, 16, Caldwell Early College, daughter of Dan and Amy Murphy

* Jordyn Roberts, 16, Hibriten High School, daughter of Anna Holloway

* Emma Starnes, 16, Caldwell Career Center, daughter of Stephen and Peggy Starnes

* Brooke Steele, 15, West Caldwell High School, daughter of James and Kellie Steele

* Abigail Watson, 16, Caldwell Early College, daughter of Kim Watson and Renee Conner as guardian

* Rachel Yount, 16, South Caldwell High School, daughter of William and Melissa Yount

A panel of three judges will interview each contestant the morning of the pageant. The event, led by Master of Ceremonies Mike LaBrose, will get under way that afternoon with an opening number by all 13 contestants, followed by the individual competitions that include a runway fashion show, talent, evening gown and on-stage questions.

The fashion show will feature styles from the '70s, '80s and '90s as well as current trends chosen by each contestant. The talent will vary from music to magic.

Previous Caldwell County Fair pageant winners also will return.

The grand finale will be the crowning of Miss Teen by last year's winner, Rebecca Smith. The new queen will receive a $1,500 scholarship along with a gift, trophy, sash and roses, and will be asked to make at least five personal appearances as Miss Teen during her reign and return next year to crown her successor.

The first runner-up will receive a $500 scholarship, and a $250 scholarship will be given to the second runner-up with each receiving gifts, trophies and roses.

The talent winner will receive a $250 scholarship and plaque, and Miss Congeniality (voted for by the contestants) will get a plaque.

Each contestant will receive a gift, donated by local businesses. Scholarship contributions have been made possible by the Broyhill Family Foundation.