Smiles of shock, joy and pride permeated the Mt. Hope High School auditorium Saturday night, when the Bristol Fourth of July community crowned its Miss Fourth, Little Miss Fourth and their respective courts for the 2024 celebration.

The title of Miss Fourth of July crown was placed on the head of an elated Skyla Silvia. Overjoyed, Silvia later remarked, “Everyone is just so supportive and incredible,” after celebrating her win. Joining her in the Miss Fourth Court are Fourth Runner-Up Beilah Teixeira, Third Runner-Up Claire DeBlois, Second Runner-Up Victoria Almeida, and First Runner-Up Samantha Malafronte. The girls also voted on Miss Congeniality, Katie Hughes.

One of the biggest reactions of the night came from 2024 Little Miss Fourth of July Riley McGinn. She was overcome by emotion at the sound of her name and stood stunned, smiling from ear to ear. That moment came after family and friends erupted in applause for second runner-up Ella Benevides and first runner-up Camille Castigliego.

Eight contestants were given a place of honor in the 2024 Bristol Fourth of July celebration on May 25, but it was a celebration for an entire community.

“It’s not magic. It’s a community that puts this all together,” said Mary Lou Palumbo, Mistress of Ceremonies.

A quick glance around the Mt. Hope auditorium gave evidence to her words. As the weather gets warmer and people start preparing for summer, friends come home from college, past Miss Fourth winners return to the stage, and family members come back to Bristol, all to support their loved ones in the most prestigious event in Bristol for young girls. That spirit of community was on full display during the 76th Little Miss and Miss Fourth of July Pageant.

The evening commenced with rousing applause after the girls finished their introductory dance routine. The Miss Fourth competitors showed great care for the younger girls, as they adjusted their microphones during the introductions.

Subsequently, the judging portion of the ceremony took place. The Little Miss and Miss Fourth contestants gracefully walked the stage in their party dresses and evening gowns, preparing to answer a question for judges Amy Devereaux, Jack McCabe, Mary McCabe, and Valerie Polka, in addition to the tabulator, Frank Fales.

Midway through judging, members of The Ballet Center performed a hip hop routine to “I Look Good” and a ballet routine to “The Bristol Red, White, and Blue.” The Mt. Hope Vocal Ensemble performed “Part of the Gift,” composed by David Lauria, as well as “Rhode Island’s It for Me.”

Before Bristol can welcome the new Little Miss and Miss Fourth, it must say goodbye to last year’s winners. In her farewell speech, 2023 Little Miss Charlotte Loftus remarked, “It was such a joy and helps young women like me to become self-confident.” Similarly, 2023 Miss Fourth Casey Ruth Little bid farewell “with a sense of complete pride and fulfillment.”

At the end of the night, the audience sat eagerly waiting for the judges to decide on the coveted titles of Little Miss and Miss Fourth of July. “My only regret is that all of them will not be selected, but in my opinion, they are all winners,” said Patty Squatrito, Pageant Committee chairwoman.

Everyone who had a hand in putting this event together, from Nat and Patty Squatrito (Pageant Committee leaders) to the contestants, also created a community. There was an overwhelming amount of thankfulness and joy throughout the night. The young girls all remarked on how grateful they are to have had the opportunity to meet and connect with new and old friends.

The court will be featured in many upcoming events for the Fourth of July celebration, including but not limited to the Fourth of July Ball, the Flag Day ceremony, and of course Bristol’s Fourth of July Parade.