One-by-one, 21 cheerful, smiling, patriotically dressed youngsters bounded across the Madison Street stage Friday evening, competing to become the Little Miss or Little Mr. Independence.
Organizers asked the eager hopefuls, who were fueled by parade-flung candies, what they like most about the Fourth of July. Several of the younger participants (who ranged from ages 4-6) admitted they liked the candy most.
However, others added they like the fireworks, parades and being with friends.
First girls, then boys answered the question.
Judges selected the top five responders from the boys and top five from the girls. They moved on to a second round.
Contestants were then asked what they wanted to be when they grow up.
Six-year-old Penelope Luebbering, the eventual 2021 Miss Independence, said she wants to be a doctor and a mom.
Her mother, Jessica Luebbering, said Penelope is very family-oriented.
"She does a lot of play with her siblings," Jessica Luebbering said.
This year's Little Mr., 5-year-old Elias Mueller, responded to what he wanted to be with a very definitive answer.
"I would like to be a paleontologist," he said. "A scientist who does experiments. And one who builds pyramids."
Following the coronation, his parents, Amber and Ethan Mueller, said Elias is fascinated with science and dinosaurs.
"He loves science," Amber Mueller said. "I like to find little experiments he can do."
The winners each received $100.
New to Jefferson City, Luke Holdener, 6, participated in the event. Before the contest, he stood on the curb eating taffy he'd received during the parade, which happened minutes before.
"I got a lot of candy," Luke said. "People were throwing it out."
Aliza Stovall, 6, had participated in the event when it was last held, two years ago. She had a last go at it this year, but came up a little short.
Still, she got to enjoy the parade, she said. And she was looking forward to fireworks.