EAST PEORIA ( 25News Now ) - East Peoria’s Festival of Lights has a new feature this year with the introduction of the Little Princess Pageant.

The pageant featured more than a dozen contestants, ages 8-11, who shared their hobbies, and interests during Sunday’s competition at the Festival Building.

“It’s not all about how you look, it’s how you carry yourself. We’re looking for someone who will represent East Peoria,” said Jennifer Cowen, who chairs the festival’s Queen Pageant.

Contestant Savannah Jones encourages other girls to participate.

“I want to let the community know, they can just be themselves and can be who they are and can always be a part of the Festival of Lights,” she said.

Festival Queen Amira Dvorak said she’s proud the pageant is inspiring young girls.

“They’re

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