For several years, Maricopa had a pageant of its own, giving local women a chance to compete for a crown, serve their community and represent the city on a larger stage.
The first Miss City of Maricopa Pageant was announced in 2010, with contestants competing in categories including talent, fitness, poise, presentation and community service. The pageant later expanded to include teen categories.
The competition produced at least one state-level success: Gilbert resident Jennifer Smestad was crowned Miss City of Maricopa in 2012 and went on to win Miss Arizona 2013.
By 2013, Sydnee Akers was wearing the Miss City of Maricopa crown. A Maricopa High School senior at the time, Akers used her title to raise donations for F.O.R. Maricopa Food Bank and Children’s Miracle Network. She graduated in 2014 and earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Grand Canyon University.
This story was first published in the September issue of InMaricopa.
![Maricopa Pantry co-founders Jim and Alice Shoaf speak to a small crowd at the food bank's groundbreaking of its permanent location in Hidden Valley on Nov. 20, 2025. [Monica D. Spencer]](https://inmaricopa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/spencer-112025-maricopa-pantry-groundbreaking-3-300x200.jpg)
![Maricopa Pantry co-founders Jim and Alice Shoaf speak to a small crowd at the food bank's groundbreaking of its permanent location in Hidden Valley on Nov. 20, 2025. [Monica D. Spencer]](https://inmaricopa.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/spencer-112025-maricopa-pantry-groundbreaking-3-150x150.jpg)