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The Miss Crustacean Pageant is a long‑standing tradition of the National Hard Crab Derby. It celebrates not only beauty and poise but also knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay culture and seafood heritage. Contestants often serve as ambassadors for Crisfield and the town’s crab industry. The pageant began in the early 1970s, during a period when the National Hard Crab Derby was expanding beyond crab races and maritime competitions. Festival organizers wanted a family-friendly, community-focused event, to encourage youth and young adults to participate in festival traditions and a way to promote the crab industry and Crisfield tourism. The pageant was named “Miss Crustacean” to tie directly into the town’s identity as the “Crab Capital of the World.” The pageant added Little Miss and Mr. Crustacean to include children ages 5-6. Pageant winners serves as a symbol of Crisfield’s community pride and connects the maritime heritage with modern festival culture.

Our 2025 Pageant Winners:

Miss Crustacean, Samie Insley

Little Miss Crustacean, Kennedy Bozman,

Little Mr. Crustacean, Mason Baum

They will proudly represent the National Hard Crab Derby at events in Crisfield and around the Eastern Shore!

Want to be Miss Crustacean 2026? How about Little Miss or Mr. Crustacean? Look for information coming soon!

MISS. CRUSTACEAN PAGEANT

See the information below and submit the forms either online, drop them off at our Chamber Office (906 W. Main St) or emailing office@crisfieldchamberofcommerce.com

Should you have any questions, please contact

our Pageant Directors:

Ginger Wilson: 443-783-0861

Avery Wilson: 410-422-2386

Rules and Regulations 2026 Coming Soon

Application 2026 Coming Soon

Social Media Contract 2026 Coming Soon

LITTLE MISS. AND LITTLE MR. CRUSTACEAN PAGEANT

The National Hard Crab Derby will be accepting applications soon for the Little Miss and Mr. Crustacean contest. This year’s contest will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Contestants must be ages 5 or 6 the day of the pageant and live and/or attend school in Somerset County. Children will be judged on appearance, talent, and will participate in an interview. Rehearsals will be Monday, August 24th through Thursday, August 27th.

Only the first 10 girls and first 10 boys will be accepted. If you'd like to register your child, please call pageant director Lisa Dize at 410-430-2278.