Kids share love of ice cream through pageant

• The Little Miss and Mister Ice Cream pageant was just part of Saturday's Ice Cream Festival.
• Events continue Sunday and Monday at Ye Olde Mill.

UTICA – A big softball fan, Jessica Paxton is more interested in getting hits than dressing up.

But on Saturday, the 6-year-old put on a pink dress and orange shoes and competed in the Little Miss Ice Cream Princess pageant at the Utica Sertoma Ice Cream Festival.

When it was her turn, she bravely stepped up to the microphone and told the audience about some of her dolls at home, her hobbies and her favorite ice cream flavor. She also showed off an ice cream necklace, bracelet and hair bow.

The judges rewarded her efforts by crowning her Little Miss Ice Cream Princess and giving her gift certificates for Velvet Ice Cream.

"She did great," said her mother, Deb Paxton. "She's usually rough and tumble, but today, she sat like a princess."

The pageant helped kick off the first day of the 41st festival. Visitors from across central Ohio visited Ye Olde Mill to enjoy live music, arts and crafts, kids activities, and lots of ice cream.

The festival continues Sunday with a car show all day and a morning church service. Monday includes a Gold Wing Cruise In and a variety of activities.

The Little Miss Ice Cream pageant has been a tradition for years, but this year, event organizers decided to start a Little Mister Ice Cream Prince contest.

The contest was open to any 6-year-old boy in the state. Wyatt Boston, of Mount Vernon, and Bryce Hollenback, of Utica, were the only two participants and shared the crown.

For Sara Boston, Wyatt's mother, participating in the pageant seemed like a perfect fit.

Her family has celebrated birthdays at Ye Olde Mill, and she and her husband got married there.

"We just love this place," she said.

Bryce's mother, Mamie Hollenback, said her son would celebrate with his favorite frozen treat, vanilla ice cream with sprinkles.

Saturday was the first time the Little Miss Ice Cream pageant was open to any 6-year-old girl in the state, but all eight participants were from Licking County.

The girls shared their favorite ice cream flavors and talked about their families, pets and favorite animals.

When it was Mikylie Woodruff's turn to talk to the judges, she told them she wanted to be a firefighter when she grows up, just like her parents.

Her dad, Jason Woodruff, is the chief of the Utica Fire Department; her mother, Sadie Woodruff, is a firefighter with the department.

The Woodruffs said they are proud of Mikylie for speaking in front of such a large crowd and having a good time. She had a huge cheering section, including family members and several other Utica firefighters.

"Sertoma has always done so much for this community," Jason said. "We are blessed to have her be part of this event."

ajeffries@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8544

Twitter: @amsjeffries

If you go

• What: Utica Sertoma Ice Cream Festival

• When: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday

• Where: 11339 Mount Vernon Road, Utica

• FYI: The cost is $5 per car. For more information, go to sertomaicecreamfestival.com.