'Little Miss Fourth of July'

Cranston ties strong with this year's 'Little Miss' walking in Bristol parade

The Cranston Herald ·

Addison Abate is in real life a firecracker, so it is very appropriate that she be named Little Miss Fourth of July 2018 for the Bristol July 4th Parade.

Since 1949, the parade has had a Miss Fourth of July, and in 1997 the Little Miss Fourth of July was added.

Abate is nine years old and a student at Colt Andrews Elementary School in Bristol. She is the daughter of Scott Berstein, a social studies teacher at Cranston East, and Jennifer Abate. She said that when she grows up she wants to be a second grade teacher.

The Little Miss pageant is open to girls from 7-9 years old.

In the early spring of 2018 Addison filled out the application.

“They asked me about my family, my background, my talents and hobbies,” she said.

Of all the girls that sign up, only 15 can be chosen to actually tryout.

The interview portion of the qualifications counted as 50 percent of their score, and only consisted of one question: ‘If you could have the birthday party of your dreams what would you do?’

“I said I would invite all my family, all my friends and have lots of animals,” Abate said. “My favorite animals are Narwhals and unicorns because they are magical and mythical creatures. I also would have puppies, cause they are puppies and super cute.”

Addison has been involved with the pageant for a couple of years.

“I’ve been trying out for two years. I was a runner-up last year. After this year, I have to wait until I am 16 to try out for Miss Fourth of July,” she said.

As of now, there have only been two girls who were Little Miss Fourth of July go on to be Miss Fourth of July.

Addison is very calm about the whole experience.

“I am excited, not nervous at all. I am proud to be representing my school, and I am the first one of many Bristol generations to do this,” she said.

Part of her duties includes traveling to many community events. The actual celebration season started on Flag Day, June 14.

She has been to concerts, the Bristol Town Ball, and most recently a meet and greet at St. Elizabeth’s coffee hour. After the parade, her duties continue for Christmas events, a golf tournament and she will conclude her run at Flag Day 2019.

“All of my friends are happy for me. They all think it is really exciting and cool. I get to stand on the float and wave,” she said.

Addison enjoys being part of the court.

“I really love spending time with all big girls; Eden Hilario, Sophia Desmarais [who is her ‘big sister’] Ally Reynolds, Meagan Ruest and Jade Ramos [Miss Fourth of July],” she said.

Her father Scott is gushing with pride.

"This has been one of the most memorable – and fun – aspects of Addison's life,” he said. “Addison's mother and I couldn't be more proud of her.  The town of Bristol couldn't have found a more enthusiastic young lady to be Little Miss.” 

For more information on the pageant and other July fourth celebrations, go to www.fourthofjulybristolri.com.