Children could compete every weekend, if they and their parents had the energy and resources. The reason for their existence is money. If the pageant makes a profit, it will continue. If not, it's gone tomorrow. The profits come from basic entrance fees, which can run as high as a few hundred dollars, with extra registration fees charged for each optional event, such as modeling or talent.
Organizers also sell pageant jewelry and publish journals that earn money through advertising.
The potential rewards for all these outlays of money and time are tempting. While some contests merely offer trophies or teddy bears as prizes, others award cars, cash or scholarship money. She has won enough money to pay for college. And then there's potential celebrity. The California contests are particularly popular because talent scouts and casting agents often use them to search for new faces.