RESERVE — History will be made tonight at St. John Theatre in Reserve when the very first Teen St. John Sugar Queen is crowned as part of the 67th annual St. John Sugar Queen Pageant.

Pageant Assistant Director Maria Stelly said the addition of the teen competition adds excitement of the event, which is themed “Sweet Southern Nights.”

The pageants begin at 7 p.m. today at St. John Theatre in Reserve. Stelly said tickets, which cost $12, are available at the box office starting at 6 p.m.

Organizers said the annual Sugar Pageant helps promote a great deal of pride in the parish, and each year the Queen has been an outstanding ambassador who showcased the spirit of St. John the Baptist Parish in statewide competitions and community events.

Stelly said the teen and miss competitions occur simultaneously, and Saige Brady, the 66th St. John Parish Sugar Queen, will bid farewell and crown the new pageant queens this evening at the contest.

Seven contestants will vie for the title of Teen St. John Sugar Queen.

Teen contestants include Jade Michelle Brady, daughter of Jamie and Shantele Brady; Meghan Dillon, daughter of Earl and Janelle McKnight Dillon; Kassidy Duhe, daughter of Brandon and Bridget Duhe; Alasia Narcisse, daughter of Alfred and Monique Narcisse; Alexis Porche, daughter of Thomas Porche III and Liliani Castillo; Cobi Smith, daughter of Jaclyn Hotard, and Shelbi St. Pierre, daughter of Dale and Susan St. Pierre.

Miss contestants include Baylee Marie Bennett, daughter of David and Desiree Bennett; Shelby Katherine Clement, daughter of Donald Clement and Shelly Clement; Darian Lerai Marse, daughter of Babette and the late Corwin Marse, and Gabrielle Nicole St. Martin, daughter of Paul and Tish St. Martin.

Returning in the dual role of master of ceremonies at this year’s pageant are Michael Hoover and Chrissy Carter Cifuentes, who served as the 2011 St. John Sugar Queen.

During the pageant, local entertainment will keep the audiences’ toes tapping with performances, songs and dances. One of the annual dances is that of the Sugar Teens, a dance group made up of local students who will enter high school this year.