BERLIN – Children 4-7 years old are invited to sign up for this year’s Little Miss & Mister Berlin Peach Pageant, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 10 on the front steps of the Atlantic Hotel on North Main Street.

Starting at 6 p.m., boys and girls dressed in their “Sunday best” attire will be judged based on their poise, personality and stage presence. The contest will take place during Berlin’s Second Friday Art Stroll event.

With a judging scale from one to five, the boy and girl will the highest tally of points will be named Little Miss & Mister Berlin Peach 2012. In the case of a tie-breaker, a question will be asked to each child by the judges, and the winner will be decided based on their response.

The event was created four years ago by organizer Terri Sexton to continue the spirit of the Berlin Peach Festival, which also began that year.

“I thought it would be a really cute thing,” said Sexton, chairperson of Main Street Berlin – the event’s organizer – and owner of The Treasure Chest in Berlin.

Eligible contestants must be residents of Worcester County and must be accompanied by an adult, parent or guardian who is required to sign a form.

Whoever is crowned Little Miss & Mister Berlin Peach 2012 is required to participate in approximately six town functions throughout the year.

“We use them as little ambassadors,” said Berlin Councilmember Lisa Hall, who is also involved in the event’s organization.

Previous Little Miss & Mister Berlin Peaches have won trophies at such events, including Berlin’s 100th-year anniversary fireman’s parade, held two years ago, and the annual Berlin Christmas parade.

After performing the ribbon cutting at the following year’s Berlin Peach Festival, Little Miss & Mister Berlin Peach 2012 will then be relieved of their duties.

According to Hall, the event gives children the opportunity to stand in the spotlight, but also gives parents pride while they see their child representing Berlin at public events.

To register for the pageant, stop by The Treasure Chest, on North Main Street anytime, or sign up children at the Berlin Peach Festival this Saturday, On the day of the pageant, register at the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum or at the Atlantic Hotel before 5:30 p.m.