LUTCHER — This year’s 26th annual Festival of the Bonfires Pageant promises to deliver the excitement and fun of previous events, but organizers are also striking a poignant tone by holding the Pageant in memory of Mya Marie Zimmer, Miss Festival of the Bonfires XXII.

Zimmer, a native of Lutcher and resident of Paulina, died July 21. She was 24. She had suffered with cystic fibrosis following her diagnosis at 3 months old.

The People’s Choice Award is voted on by audience members at the Festival of the Bonfires Pageant, and each vote is $1.

All proceeds from this year’s People’s Choice Award will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in memory of Zimmer.

Organizers also said they have special moments planned in honor of Zimmer during the Pageant.

The Festival of the Bonfires Committee, as well as Miss Festival of the Bonfires XXV Erin Monica and Teen Miss Festival of the Bonfires XVI Kamryn Deslattes, invite community members to join them for the 26th annual Festival of the Bonfires Pageant, which starts at 6 p.m. Saturday at Lutcher High School.

Admission is $5 per person, and children 5 and under get in free. Concessions are going to be sold at the venue.

Organizers said “eight beautiful ladies” are vying for the title of Miss Festival of the Bonfires XXV, and “seven beautiful ladies” are vying for the title of Teen Miss Festival of the Bonfires XVI.

Organizers also remind local residents to join them for the 26th annual Festival of the Bonfires Dec. 11-13 at Lutcher Park. This year’s children pageant starts at 9 a.m. Dec. 12 at Lutcher Park.

For more information, visit festivalofthebonfires.org.