CULLMAN, Ala. – Belinda Bagwell was crowned 2026 Ms. Senior Cullman County, while Bonnie Sawyer took the 2026 Ms. Super Senior Cullman County crown Saturday, Nov. 7. The pageant was held in the Fairview High School auditorium.
The pageant was open to “super seniors,” aged 70-79 and “seniors,” aged 60-69.
Pageant Director Gidget Gregory said the sisterhood was definitely evident this year.
“It was actually overheard backstage, one saying, ‘I hope she wins,’” Gregory said. “They all loved the American theme, with the touch of Dolly Parton added to it.”
The ladies were scored in the categories of interview, fun fashion, active wear, evening gown and on-stage question.
“There were five ladies competing in the Ms. Senior Cullman County division and three ladies competing in the Ms. Super Senior Cullman County division,” Gregory said. “We are so excited for the things to come. We plan to rest a few days and then get back at again with prepping with the new queens for state.”
The pageant was founded by the late Betty Leeth Haynes. Gregory said after being crowned Ms. Senior Alabama in 1997, Haynes was inspired to give other ladies in Cullman County a similar opportunity. Thus the pageant and its awards were born.
“The ladies received help from the audience for the People’s Choice Award,” Gregory said Saturday. “Every dollar donated toward a contestant counts as a vote. Portions of the People’s Choice will be donated toward First Source for Women and LEAD. Nancy Moore won the People’s Choice Award, and we raised over $6,000 tonight for our community partners.”
Cullman County Commission on Aging Director Stephanie Lawson said Gregory and the Board did a phenomenal job.
“All the contestants worked hard and I believe their inner beauty only enhanced their physical beauty,” Lawson said. “I am already looking forward to next year. Also, congratulations to the winners Bonnie and Belinda.”
Bagwell and Sawyer will represent Cullman County at the Ms. Senior Alabama Pageant in June 2027.
Super Senior winners
- Winner: Bonnie Sawyer
- 1st Alternate: Becky Bussey
- 2nd Alternate: Dianne Johnson
- People’s Choice: Bonnie Sawyer
- Most Photogenic: Becky Bussey
- Ms. Congeniality: Becky Bussey
Senior winners
- Winner: Belinda Bagwell
- 1st Alternate: Carol Cline
- People’s Choice: Nancy Moore
- Most Photogenic: Belinda Bagwell
- Ms. Congeniality: Debbie Roberts
Find out more at Facebook/Ms. Senior Cullman County Pageant.
