Scarlette Harrington competes in a regional pageant held in a crowded civic auditorium, where judges sit beneath fixed stage lighting and contestants line the wings according to number and category. The day progresses in rigidly scheduled segments: opening walk, elegant wear, formal presentation, and rotating interviews conducted in partitioned rooms behind the stage. Scarlette moves through each round with controlled pacing, completing transitions efficiently as staff adjust sashes, pin numbers, and reset the stage between competitors.