The tiaras and beautiful gowns of beauty pageants prove alluring for many young girls seeking their opportunity to shine.

But pageants are not just an opportunity to dress up, as contestants are often challenged to show poise, confidence, intelligence and talent.

However, the cost of registration, clothing and talent training can prove prohibitive for many.

Recognizing the value of her own pageant experiences, April Cancilla, 18, of the Butler Salvation Army is now planning her second beauty pageant.

Working with youth and family outreach programs for the Butler chapterof the Salvation Army, Cancilla hoped to provide young girls the pageant experience without the financial burden.

"I wanted there to be a pageant without the politics or pressure,"she said.

At 2 p.m. March 17, 30 contestants ages 6 to 16 will take to the stage at the Salvation Army's worship service center on West Cunningham Street.

To enter, each girl paid a $10 registration fee. Girls unable to pay the fee were given the option of seeking sponsors to cover the cost.

Though last year's contestants came mainly from the Salvation Army's after-school program, Cancilla this year announced the pageant at area elementary schools, doubling the pool of entrants.

For two months leading up to the pageant, the girls meet weekly, learning how to walk and pose with confidence in front of a crowd.

"You have to put attitude into it,"said Jessica Claypoole, 13, of her runway-style walk.

A student at Butler Junior High School, she and her sister Casey, 9, will be second-time contestants this year.

With last year's experience, both girls say the pageant and practices have given them more confidence.

"It made me more enthusiastic," added Jessica.

For first-time competitor Samantha Roth, 7, pageant rehearsals have given her the opportunity to make new friends and reconnect with old friends who attend different elementary schools.

"She was very excited about this,"said her mother Arlene Roth.

Arlene, who has experience in local theater, said her daughter benefits from time onstage.

"I wish I had started (performing) at an early age," Arlene said.

Samantha will do a piano performance of the song "Maybe" from the musical "Annie"during the talent portion of the pageant.

The talent competition is optional, noted Cancilla, who wanted to alleviate any pressure on the girls to perform.

For the beauty and fashion portions of the competition, each girl will wear three outfits they already own.

Hair and makeup will be provided by students at the Butler Beauty School.

Each contestant will model a casual style, a dressy outfit and a goofy outfit or costume, accompanied by their own unique goofy walk.

As a pageant veteran, Casey said the quick outfit changes are one of the most difficult parts of the pageant.

"You have to hurry to get dressed every 10 seconds," she said.

One thing Casey is not worried about is the interview.

Cancilla distributed interview questions to the girls in advance so they could prepare answers before the competition.

When complete, titles will be awarded by age group and all competitors will receive a certificate and a ribbon for participation.

"Even if you don't win, it doesn't matter," said Casey. "Just that you had fun doing it."

With a small budget, Cancilla is hoping to offer some prizes for the winners. With continued growth of the pageant, she hopes to one day offer scholarship prizes.

For now, the grand prize for each contestant is the experience.

"I believe this gives them the confidence to try new things," said Cancilla.