Alderson has officially crowned a new Miss Fireworks. The title now belongs to Kalyea Terry, a native Aldersonian. The young contestant competed with the support of her family, friends and fire family at the Tri-County Fire Department.
Miss Fireworks is not Terry’s first foray into the pageant world. In regards to her pageant career, she said, “I have participated in multiple pageants before this one. I represented as Little Miss Fireworks one year, along with holding titles in Shanghai, Ronceverte River Festival, Dandelion Festival, and much more. I tend to stay pretty local. I have been participating in pageants since I wasn’t even a year old!”
“I decided to enter the Miss Fireworks pageant because it has always been my dream to represent my hometown as well as this wonderful celebration that means a lot to me,” Terry said of why she decided to enter this pageant. “I hope to make this Fourth of July celebration in Alderson the best it has ever been!”
The day was full of excitement and nerves for Terry and her fellow competitors. Terry cites her faith as what helped her stay calm. She said, “I was very nervous towards the beginning of the day. As the day went on, I started to calm down because I knew that no matter what happened, God was with me and I am a winner no matter what because I have him in my heart.”
Even though nerves played a big part in the day, it was also filled with enjoyment and excitement. The best part of the experience, Terry said, was her time with fellow contestants.
“My favorite part about this competition was definitely getting to know my fellow contestants. I truly believe every girl that walked that stage is a true winner.”
Even though she was overjoyed at winning, Terry showed her altruistic nature by being focused on ensuring each of her competitors knew their worth. She said, “When my name was announced as this year’s Miss Fireworks, I instantly felt my heart drop to my stomach and my eyes began to fill with tears. When Haylee Shires (former Miss Fireworks) crowned me, I walked the runway and noticed all of my family and wonderful supporters. However, I wanted to make everyone aware that at that moment it wasn’t just about me. I couldn’t help but give each girl a hug and tell them how amazing they did.”
Alderson is Terry’s hometown, and she says her favorite thing about the small, picturesque town is the people.
“My favorite thing about living in Alderson has got to be the people. I love having a close bond with everyone and even being stopped at the local gas station, catching up with an individual. Some people don’t enjoy living in a small town, however, I quite enjoy it.”
The title of Miss Fireworks carries with it several important responsibilities. Most of the crowned Miss Fireworks’ duties are completed during the town’s annual famous Fourth of July celebrations. This year, Terry has the opportunity to share the experience with two family members. She said, “What I am most looking forward to as being Miss Fireworks is not only being a part of all of the events that take place during the 4th, but also being side by side with my little sister, Grace Terry, who was crowned Junior Miss Fireworks, and my cousin, Maggie, who is Senior Miss Fireworks! I’m also very excited to light the first firework on the night of the 4th.”
Next year, Terry will have the privilege of crowning a new Miss Fireworks, and she has some advice for future contestants.
“Some advice I would want to give future Miss Fireworks contestants would be to always be yourself. This title means a lot to our community and is a big responsibility as well, so I do believe being committed is one of the biggest traits we need in our future Miss Fireworks!” She also said, “I want for everyone to know that you are capable of doing anything you set your mind to. It may not come easy, but I promise the moment you succeed, all of the past trial and errors will make it all worth it.”
If you attend Alderson’s Fourth of July celebration, you will likely run into the newly crowned Miss Fireworks. Be sure to say hello.
