MITCHELL — The 2025 Persimmon Festival officially welcomed its newest royalty Monday night as the Mini Miss Persimmon Festival Pageant crowned its winners on the festival’s main stage in downtown Mitchell.
Austin Cook captured the title of Mini Miss Queen, leading a court of young contestants who represented the spirit of the annual celebration. Lillian Arnold was named Miss Congeniality, while a host of princess titles were awarded to Elsie Mullis, Valerie Applegate, Jane Isbell, Kaislee Wigley, Briley Hattabaugh, Winley Lane, and Olivia Arnold.
The Mini Miss pageant is one of several coronation events held during the Persimmon Festival, which also features competitions for Queen, Junior Miss, and Little Miss titles. Together, these contests showcase area youth and highlight community pride in a festival that has been a cornerstone of Mitchell’s heritage for generations.
The crowning ceremony drew families, friends, and festivalgoers who packed the MHS Auditorium for one of the week’s most anticipated traditions. The winners will make appearances throughout the festival, riding in parades and participating in community activities tied to Mitchell’s celebration of the native fruit that gives the event its name.
Now in its decades-long run, the Persimmon Festival continues to blend small-town pageantry, entertainment, and civic pride, with the Mini Miss contest providing a spotlight for some of the community’s youngest ambassadors.
This information was provided by the Persimmon Festival Committee.
