BELHAVEN — Three groups of young ladies in Belhaven are preparing to hit the stage and compete in pageants this weekend as part of the town’s Independence Day festivities.

Friday at 5:30 p.m., contestants in the Miss Independence (ages 15 to 18) and the Young Miss Independence (ages 12 to 14) pageants will take the stage at the John A. Wilkinson Center in Belhaven. The two pageants, headed by 2011 Miss Independence Elizabeth Harris, will feature a lineup of local girls competing for the crown in their respective age groups. The winner of the Miss Independence pageant will receive a $1,000 scholarship and the winner of the Young Miss Independence pageant will receive a prize of $100, according to Harris.

Contestants in the Miss Independence pageant are required to compete through several rounds, including private interview, evening gowns, creative expression and swimsuit, Harris said. Young Miss Independence contestants will compete in rounds, including evening gowns, patriotic wear, onstage question and fitness. All contestants are evaluated by three judges.

Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Wilkinson Center, 4- to 6-year-old contestants will compete in the Little Miss Independence pageant. The contestants will undergo a series of rounds, including Sunday best, patriotic wear and talent. The winner will receive a trophy, according to Harris.

All three groups will also perform an opening number prior to the pageants, with the two oldest groups performing together, Harris said.

The contests have been part of the town’s Independence Day celebrations for years. Pageant winners represent their town, as winners are required to do at least two community-service projects in the town or surrounding areas during the year of their reign, Harris said. Winners are also prompted for other opportunities in the world of pageantry.

“It just opens doors to be able to do a lot of different things in your community and elsewhere,” Harris said. “It opened doors for me to compete in other pageants. It gives you an outlet to have a voice, really. It gives you opportunities to do things outside of your school and community.”

John A. Wilkinson Center is located at 519 E. Water St., Belhaven.