EAST PEORIA, Ill. – A Queen is being joined by a Princess for this year’s East Peoria Festival of Lights.

On Sunday, the festival hosted its first Little Princess Pageant at the Festival Building. The contest featured more than a dozen eight-to-11 year old girls vying for the crown, by sharing their hobbies and interests.

Jennifer Cowen chairs the festival’s Queen Pageant, and tells 25 News it’s a special opportunity.

“They look up to these big girls every year at the parade, and we just wanted to bring something to them this year as well,” Cowen said.

This year’s Festival Queen, Amira Dvorak, says she’s proud the pageant is inspiring young girls.

“They’re sweet, and I know all of them will make a phenomenal little princess. They’re girls who can do this, and are powerful and mean so

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