STOCKTON – The San Joaquin Asparagus Festival is seeking applicants for the 2026 Festival Scholarship Pageant and Prince-Princess Program.
The program is a highlight of the festival and will take place during the annual celebration April 24 through April 26at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in Stockton.
As the community prepares to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the beloved local event, organizers looking for participants for the festival pageant for teens and women ages 13 and up, and the prince and princess program for children ages 12 and under.
“The pageant is designed to be a supportive and empowering experience that fosters Integrity, Respect & Kindness,” said Shim Lacy, Pageant & Prince/Princess Program Coordinator. “It encourages participants to build confidence, express themselves on stage, and celebrate local agriculture and the spirit of our community.”
Contestants in the pageant program have the opportunity to showcase their abilities and compete for prestigious titles with cash scholarships awarded to the top Teen & Miss titleholders. Participants in the non-competitive Prince & Princess program will each be crowned on stage by the festival queens and royal court.
Participant’s age as of April 1 determines their age division.
*Children ages 12 & under will each receive a custom medallion or tiara and sash and be named an Asparagus Prince or Princess (ages 9 & under) or Mini Miss or Mr. Asparagus (ages 10-12)
*Teen girls ages 13-15 compete for Teen Miss San Joaquin Asparagus Festival and a $250 cash scholarship.
*Young women ages 16-18 compete for Miss San Joaquin Asparagus Festival and a $1,000 cash scholarship.
*Adult women ages 19-29 compete for Ms. San Joaquin Asparagus Festival.
*Adult women ages 30-49 compete for Elite Ms. San Joaquin Asparagus Festival.
*Adult women ages 50 & better compete for Classic Ms. San Joaquin Asparagus Festival.
Contestants in the Pageant will compete in four phases: Fun Fashion featuring an outfit of choice with a green color theme, Personal Introduction, Formal Wear, and On-Stage Interview.
Prince and Princess participants do not compete but will be featured in a fun stage presentation that includes a runway walk with a green-themed outfit and a brief on-stage question designed to help introduce children to the positive, confidence-building aspects of pageantry in a non-competitive setting.
Claire Carroll, the current reigning Miss San Joaquin Asparagus Festival 2025 and a junior at Sierra High School in Manteca, will help guide participants and offer support during the exciting competition.
The San Joaquin Asparagus Festival is owned and operated by Noceti Group Inc. The Noceti family also operates an elite motorsport, entertainment and events business that includes the Stockton 99 Speedway, Stockton Dirt Track, Little 99 Go Kart & Motorcycle Racing facility, and San Joaquin Asparagus Festival.
To be eligible for the pageant, contestants must live, work or attend school in one of eleven central valley counties. There is no residency requirement for the prince/ princess program.
The entry fee for the pageant is $75 and the deadline for pageant applications is March 15.
The entry fee for the prince/ princess program is $30 and the deadline for those applications is April 1.
For complete details and to submit an application, please visit the Pageant tab on the festival official website. https://www.sanjoaquinasparagusfestival.net/
The San Joaquin Asparagus Festival is an annual celebration honoring one of California’s most beloved agricultural crops, asparagus grown in the Delta region.
The festival features s asparagus-inspired cuisine, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and the Pageant & Prince/Princess Program.
The event will take place at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in Stockton on April 24-25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and April 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission is $18 for adults 18-64, $12 for children 6-17, seniors 65+ and military. Children ages 5 and under are free.
