What does 'Early-Entry Awards' mean in Pageant terms?

We want to enter my 2 year old granddaughter in the Little Miss Dixie pageant that's advertised in our local news paper & I'm completely NeW to the pageant scene haha! The ad tells who to contact etc. etc. and also says "Early entry awards to those that enter before January 9th". Does this mean she'll get more awards at the pageant (my daughter-n-law's question)? I'm thinking that just maybe they'll give a discount on the entry fee.(?) I appreciate any help with this.