By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
The International Good Neighbor Council (IGNC) is making a final push to recruit
contestants for the 2026 Miss Del Rio pageant after extending the application deadline
to Jan. 9.
Claudia Lopez Cruz, IGNC’s organizer for the event said only four contestants have
registered so far, with a goal of eight to 10 participants needed to ensure a competitive
and successful pageant.
“We are working to help young ladies as they try to start their education,” Cruz said. “The focus of this is higher education; let’s help them get a good start.”
The competition is open to young women ages 16 to 21. Awards for the 2026 pageant include six scholarships and three cash prizes, making
participation both a personal achievement and a financial opportunity for contestants
pursuing higher education, said Andrew Scarbo, IGNC President.
The pageant is scheduled for Jan. 23, 2026, with mandatory practice sessions planned
for Jan. 11, Jan. 18 and Jan. 22.
Established 76 years ago, the Miss Del Rio pageant, spearheaded by the International
Good Neighbor Council, remains one of the community’s longest-running traditions.
Contestants will receive a complementary professional photo shoot on Jan. 11, which
includes hair and makeup services. Organizers said the photo shoot is intended to help
contestants gain confidence and professional-quality images for future opportunities.
Cruz said anyone interested should contact her at 830-488-5886.
The writer can be reached at JoelALangton@gmail.com .
