READING, Pa. – A local festival is bobbing for help. The Apple Dumpling Festival is facing a challenge when it comes to filling spots in its pageants.

For decades, the Apple Dumpling Pageant has been a beloved tradition in Berks County, drawing families and contestants together.

“We’ve been doing the Apple Dumpling Festival now for over 60 years,” said Patrick Konopelski, the owner of the Apple Dumpling Festival.

But in recent years, participation in the pageant has declined, putting its future in question.

“And this year, we’re at the point where we don’t have enough people to have the pageant,” Konopelski said.

Now, organizers are making a final appeal, calling on girls across the county to step into the spotlight and keep the tradition alive.

“I thought, before we cancel, let’s just reach out to the community,” Konopelski said.

For those who may be hesitant, organizers say the pageant offers a welcoming first step into competition.

“It’s a really kind of low stress, low pressure pageant,” Konopelski said.

Participants also have the chance to earn prizes.

“They can win up to $250, first place. Second place is $100, third place is $75,” Konopelski said.

But beyond the awards, organizers say the experience itself is what matters most — an opportunity for young participants, ages 4 through 14, to discover confidence and showcase their talents.

“There’s so many different activities for kids. A lot of its sports or maybe the arts,” Konopelski said. “This allows these kids to have an opportunity to be on stage, be in the limelight, and shine with their own different talents and skill set.”

The festival kicks off next Thursday, promising food, entertainment and a longstanding local favorite.

“We have bands and food and rides and, of course, apple dumplings — tons and tons of apple dumplings.” Konopelski said.

By Tuesday, organizers say a decision will be made: Will the pageant continue, or has it reached its final stage?

“We’d love to see it go, you know, continue going on, but that’s for the community to decide. And all the little girls, I guess,” Konopelski said.