Contestant Information and Application.

Welcome to the Volusia Pride Family. 2026 marks our seventh Annual Pride Pageant (formerly DeLand Pride Pageant) and we are very proud of its continued success.

Volusia Pride Pageant is open to anyone who wishes to compete that can faithfully execute the requirements. The Pageant consists of four categories outlined below, and three divisions of Mister, Miss, and Mx.

Competition Categories

  • Interview (25 points)

    The Interview category is conducted individually following registration and is designed to give judges insight into each contestant’s character, communication skills, and overall presence. Contestants will be evaluated on their ability to articulate thoughts clearly, demonstrate confidence, and engage thoughtfully with questions. Judges may explore both personal and professional topics to better understand each contestant’s perspective and authenticity. Evaluation will focus on overall appearance, personality, communication skills, and the substance of responses. Contestants are encouraged to dress in business casual attire, similar to what they would wear for a professional interview.

  • Presentation (25 points)

    The Presentation category, themed “Volusia Creative Costume,” requires contestants to creatively represent an aspect of Volusia County through costume and performance. This may include inspiration drawn from local landmarks, culture, businesses, history, or community identity. Contestants will have the opportunity to walk the stage, introduce themselves, and showcase their look in a way that highlights creativity and originality. Judging will consider overall styling, including hair, makeup, accessories, and garment construction, as well as stage presence, speaking ability, and the coordination of music and movement. This category emphasizes innovation, storytelling, and connection to the local community.

  • Evening Wear (25 points)

    The Evening Wear category highlights elegance, confidence, and overall presentation. Contestants competing as Miss are expected to wear a full-length evening gown, while Mister contestants should present in formal suit or tuxedo attire. Mx contestants may interpret this category in a way that aligns with their identity and presentation. Judges will evaluate modeling technique, poise, confidence, comfort, and the fit and styling of the garment. Contestants will be guided during rehearsals on stage presence and movement expectations. The focus of this category is the contestant’s ability to present themselves with polish, grace, and confidence.

  • Talent (25 points)

    The Talent category allows contestants to showcase their unique abilities through a performance of their choice, with a maximum time limit of six (6) minutes, including setup. Performances may include lip sync, live vocals, dance, spoken word, or other creative expressions, provided they do not include prohibited elements such as fire, water, or unsafe materials. All performances must maintain appropriate standards of decency, and no visible genitalia is permitted. Judges will evaluate execution, creativity, entertainment value, stage presence, use of props, costuming, and overall impact. Contestants are encouraged to select performances that are engaging, well-prepared, and reflective of their individual artistry.

By participating in the Volusia Pride Pageant (VPP) you agree to uphold the rules and regulations set forth in the participant contract. Failure to fulfill your duties as a Titleholder will result in forfeiture of your crown, sash, and any remaining monetary benefits. VPP first alternate will be appointed in your place. All contestants must be at least twenty (21) years of age.

Titleholders must adhere to the Volusia Pride Code of Conduct and are expected to act in alignment with the organization’s values, ethics, and commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. Behavior that is inconsistent with these standards whether on-site, at affiliated events, or on social media may result in revocation of title and benefits and ineligibility for future participation.

Volusia Pride requires you to represent the organization at the following events throughout your reign. At these events, you will be expected to represent your title and the organization. Without a good faith reason or advance notice, your failure to show up to these mandatory events will result in your title being stripped, and forfeiture of your crown/medallion, sash, and any remaining monetary benefits. The following events are mandatory and require full participation from beginning to end:

  • Social media engagement throughout reign

  • DeLand Christmas Parade (December 2026)

  • Love is Love Pride Festival (February 2027)

  • Anniversary Drag Show (June 2027)

  • Volusia Pride Pageant 2027 (step-down)

  • One additional regional Pride event

  • Annual Bingo Fundraiser - Winners are responsible for planning and organizing this fundraiser as a team in collaboration with the Special Events Committee and approved by the Pageant Director. Fundraiser plans must be submitted to the Board no later that December 31, 2026 and the event will take place on April 10, 2027.

VPP Royal Court must promote the VPP as they visit other Pride festivals in Florida. Sashes are to be respected and worn as directed. Any additional sizes and replacements can be ordered at representatives expense. The Reigning Titleholders are required to wear their sash and crown at all Pride Events and Pride Pageants they attend. Exceptions can be made during a current titleholder walk with another system. We respect all other titles that entertainers may hold while being with our system and you may wear those at other non-Pride systems.

VP holds multiple regularly occurring social events each month along with a variety of other events throughout the year. While only those listed above are mandatory, you are expected to attend as many of these other events as possible.

Volusia Pride is the only organization in Volusia County with a Pageant System so it is up to us to make sure that the LGBTQ community is properly and respectfully represented. Help us create something great.

Contestant Application.

After your application is approved you will receive an email containing an invoice for your registration fees as well as a contract for your review and signature.  You must return these within 1 week in order to secure your spot in the pageant. You will be contacted prior to the pageant to work out the details of your Talent Music, Costume, and Presentation Details and receive load in information.

Registration Fees:

  • $100 (March 23 – April 26, 2026)

  • $150 (April 27 – May 9, 2026)

  • Cap at 3 entries per division*

Prize Package

  • $700**

*Registration is on a first come, first served basis. A waiting list will be compiled once the 3 entries are exceeded per division.

**details included in contract provided to applicants after submitting form above