21st annual Special Needs pageant

The Mr. & Miss Special Henry County Pageant began in 2003 and continued to be held by People First of Henry County through 2010, crowning sixteen Kings and Queens.  At that time, The Mr. & Miss Special Henry County Pageant Organization was formed and continued the tradition.  The pageant has grown to between 30 -40 contestants the past few years, and also included the Junior Division which started in 2013.  This organization crowned a total of 36 kings and queens.
 

In January 2015, The Mr. & Miss Special Henry County Pageant joined with H.O.P.E Park to continue this excellent program. As a part of H.O.  P. E Park, the Mr. & Miss Special Henry County Pageant will continue to bring joy and happiness to the contestants, their families and our community, under the new title of The H.O.P.E. Park Special Pageant.
 

The H.O.P.E. Park Special Pageant provides our contestants the opportunity to participate in a pageant just for them, where they can meet new friends, learn new social skills, feel very handsome and beautiful, and get positive feedback from the community.
 

Our contestants all receive sashes, crowns, trophies and other items during the pageant. The Kings and Queens are given the opportunity during their reign to make appearances at different events throughout the area, such as Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies, community fairs and parades, special events held for those with disabilities, events such as Autism Awareness Day at the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Dream Games, and  a trip to the North Pole on the Polar Express. Events vary year to year.