By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
The third annual Del Rio 4th of July pageant was held on Friday with the largest number of
contestants participating for 2025.
Esme Meza, director of the pageant, said the pageant had a great turnout with 19 contestants
competing. She said there were more people who attended the pageant than in previous years
as well, with close to 225 people in the audience.
“Each year the pageant is growing, and we are getting more people attending and participating,
so it is definitely growing, and we are glad that families are getting involved and supporting the
girls,” Meza said.
The Fourth of July Pageant has been ongoing since 2023, celebrating the Fourth of July while
bringing more opportunities for the youth of Del Rio during the country’s independent holiday.
This year’s pageant theme was “festive and fun,” and it was hosted by Claudia Lopez, Miss Val
Verde pageant director.
Meza said city staff served as the tabulators and out-of-town queens and pageant directors
were also in attendance to be judges for the pageant. Music was provided by DJ Sammy, and
dance performances were provided by the Queen City Belles.
Best on-stage question was awarded to Marie Nope, and Princessa Rocha was crowned best-
in-evening-gown. Olivia Lynn Ortiz was crowned Miss Independence, the people’s choice
award.
Mila Chacon was crowned Little Miss Photogenic (six months to 12 years old), and Princessa
Rocha was crowned Miss Photogenic (13 through 26 years old).
Wylei Barrera was crowned Little Miss Sparkler (most patriotic outfit, six months through 12
years old), and Natalia Limon and Princessa Rocha were both crowned Miss Firecracker.
In the Baby Division, Zara Benitez was crowned the Baby Miss 4th of July, and Hadassah
Ladner was crowned first runner-up.
In the Toddler Division, Wylei Barrera was crowned Toddler Miss 4th of July. Olivia Lynn Ortiz
was crowned first runner-up, and Scarlet Marujo was crowned second runner-up.
In the Tiny Division, Marie Nope was crowned Tiny Miss 4th of July. Continuing in the same
division, Brilee Ramon was crowned first runner-up, Mila Chacon was crowned second runner-
up, Victoria Gonzalez was crowned third runner-up, and Sophia Victoria was crowned fourth
runner-up.
Lavea Long was crowned Little Miss 4th of July, and Ayvrii Garcia was crowned Pre-Teen Miss
4th of July.
In the Junior Division, Aunika Garcia was crowned Junior Miss 4th of July, and Xitlali Vasquez
was crowned first runner-up.
In the Teen Division, Natalia Limon was crowned Miss 4th of July, and Ahlaila Veliz was
crowned first runner-up.
In the Miss Division, Princessa Rocha was crowned Miss 4th of July 2025, and Juarez
was crowned first runner-up.
