It appears that a lot of these parents are living vicariously through their children and the pageant promoters are making big money on entrance fees. Let the children decide when they are old enough to decide, ie 18 years old, or make it non-profit, no entrance fees, and no prizes. If it's merely 'playing dress-up' then why spend $70k a year on the perception of perfection? Kids play dress up in their mom's or dad's oversized clothes, not in $3000 gowns