2019 Paden City Labor Day Queen Justice Robinson.

On Sunday August 18, 2019, the Paden City Labor Day Celebration crowned five young ladies as the royalty for the festivities that will occur Labor Day weekend. The multiple division pageant was held at Paden City High School’s Jesse Brown Hall. This is an old tradition being brought back to the town, but with new traditions added to it.

In 1954, Mary Ann Feldmeier was crowned the very first Miss Labor Day. Since then, the Paden City Labor Day Celebration has had a crowned winner chosen many different ways. The one most will recall is the penny-a-vote contest.

Adam Croasmun, 24, of Paden City, is the Director of the Paden City Labor Day Celebration Pageant. Croasmun has always loved pageantry and grew up watching the Miss America pageant. During the last year, Croasmun has judged many pageants surrounding the community, and began wanting to direct his own pageant.

“Pageantry has always empowered women by giving them confidence, public speaking skills, and teaching them to love who they are,” Croasmun said. “So I had the idea one day that Paden City – the town I am proud to call my home – needed to once again crown a Queen for Labor Day!” Croasmun met with Susan Wade and B.B. Smith – members of the Paden City Labor Day Committee – and they graciously gave him permission to put on the pageant.

Girls and women from many surrounding areas sent in their applications, and the pageant had twenty-two contestants compete. The five divisions were Little Miss (Ages 6 to 8), Princess (Ages 9 to 12), Teen (Ages 13 to 15), Queen (Ages 16 to 21), and Ms (Ages 22 and up).

Pictured are the five crowned royalty. From left to right is Jacelyn Miller (Little Miss), Marisa Gogan (Ms), Justice Robinson (Queen), Destiny Robinson (Teen), and Carleigh Jo Cochran (Princess).

The contestants in the Little Miss and Princess divisions were judged on introductions, evening gown, and onstage questions. The Teen, Queen, and Ms contestants were judged on a pre-pageant interview, event promotion, evening gown, and onstage questions.

Before crowning the royalty, three awards were handed out: Miss Photogenic went to Katlyn Griffey of Middlebourne, West Virginia, Miss Congeniality went to Marisa Gogan of Alma, West Virginia, and the Fan Favorite award went to Maria Long of Middlebourne, West Virginia.

Jacelyn Miller, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, was crowned the 2019 Little Miss Paden City Labor Day. Miller is 8 years old and goes to New Martinsville School.

Carleigh Jo Cochran, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was crowned the 2019 Paden City Labor Day Princess. Cochran is 9 years old and goes to Washington Lands Elementary.

Destiny Robinson, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was crowned the 2019 Paden City Labor Day Teen. Robinson is 15 years old and is home-schooled, currently taking online classes.

Justice Robinson, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was crowned the 2019 Paden City Labor Day Queen. Robinson is 17 years old and a senior at John Marshall High School.

Marisa Gogan, of Alma, West Virginia, was crowned the 2019 Ms. Paden City Labor Day. Gogan is 22 years old and currently works for Anderson Orthodontics.

The 2019 Paden City Labor Day Celebration Pageant was a huge success and there was a crowd of over 100 people there to cheer on the contestants. Pageant Director Adam Croasmun would like to thank Paden City High School for allowing them to hold the pageant there at no cost. Sponsors for the pageant are as follows: Gaia Wellness and Massage, 4 Senses Massage and Bodywork, Bucksnort Hollow Crafts, Amanda Ebert (Paparazzi Accessories Consultant), Jennifer Pugh (Paparazzi Accessories Consultant), Ain’t Just Puppy Love (puppy farm), Wetzel County Center for Children and Families, and Picture This Photography by Frannie Herrick.

The royalty would like to invite everyone to come meet them August 30 through September 2 on Main Street in Paden City!