The Last Week - Week 51

Sunday, Dad and I headed to Pine Bluff to join Good Faith Carr United Methodist Church for a July 4^th celebration!  I shared my testimony during the service and enjoyed a potluck lunch afterward.  I got tickled when a lady told me that we didn’t have to use our forks to eat our BBQ chicken.  Haha!  That is why I love Arkansas people!

That evening, I made my last appearance as Miss Arkansas.  It was a very significant appearance as I spoke to my grandparents’ church, First Baptist Church in Carlisle.  I had many family members attend the service, and we celebrated with a dinner at Nick’s BBQ afterward.  I was thankful to end my year of service in the church while remembering the faithfulness of my Savior.  I was also happy to celebrate with my family, who have sacrificed and supported me more this year than I will ever know! 

I have spent the remainder of this week preparing for Miss Arkansas.  I have been practicing my performances and gathering my wardrobe.  I received my last paycheck and bought my last gifts.  So much goes into the week of Miss Arkansas, and I think I am finally ready for it!  Here is a schedule:

Sunday, July 8

2:00 pm - Arrival Ceremony in Horner Hall

Monday, July 9

Rehearsals begin.  Interviews begin with Group A. 

Tuesday, July 10

Interviews for Groups B and C

Wednesday, July 11

12:00 pm - The Hot Springs Rotary Club hosts Miss Arkansas and contestants

7:00 pm - Preliminary Pageant in Summit Arena

            Group A - talent

            Group B - evening gown

            Group C - swimsuit

            Miss Arkansas performs Miss America dance

            Reception to follow in Hall D

Thursday, July 12

7:00 pm - Preliminary Pageant in Summit Arena

            Group A - swimsuit

            Group B - talent

            Group C - evening gown

            Miss Arkansas performs “Tiny Dancer” special

            Reception to follow in Hall D

Friday, July 13

7:00 pm - Preliminary Pageant in Summit Arena

            Group A - evening gown

            Group B - swimsuit

            Group C - talent

            Miss Arkansas performs with Studio Allegro Performance Co.

            Reception to follow in Hall D

Saturday, July 14

1:00 pm - Autograph Party in the Hot Springs Mall

7:00 - Finals:  Announcement of Top 10 and crowning of Miss Arkansas 2012

            Miss Arkansas performs “I Got Rhythm”

            Reception to follow in Hall D

Sunday, July 15

1:00 pm - News conference with Miss Arkansas 2012 in the Austin Hotel

We are SO excited to announce that we will be awarding over $87,900 in cash scholarships!  For the first time in history, each contestant will receive a minimum of $250 in scholarships.  WOW!! 

 One year ago...

One of my favorite photos! 

I would like to remind you of several things for the upcoming week:

- For those who are unable to join us, you may  view the pageant live via webcast by visiting www.missarkansas.org/live

-On Wednesday and Thursday, July 11 and 12, Junior High and High School spirit squads are invited to attend the Preliminary competition for free! Spirit squad members must wear their uniform / team gear in order to receive complimentary admission.

-On Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14, fraternity and sorority members will be able to attend the final night of Preliminary competition and the crowning night for free! Greek members are asked to wear their letters or pins in order to gain complimentary admission.  

- Judging / Auditing Seminar-- Miss Arkansas

Saturday, July 14, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.

Hot Springs Convention Center, Hall D

$10.00 fee

-Vote for your favorite contestant in the Tony Bowls/Mon Cheri People’s Choice.  Jason Masters and Tony Bowls provided a photo shoot for all Miss Arkansas contestants, which can be viewed at http://www.missarkansas.org/photoshoot2012.htm.  Each vote cast is $1.00, and the winner will be awarded a cash scholarship on Saturday.  Voting closes on Friday, July 13. 

·        -As they have done the past three years, Dillard’s in Hot Springs will sponsor a “Miss Arkansas’ Shopping Diva Award.”  Contestants are asked to encourage their friends and family to shop at Dillard’s in Hot Springs Mall during pageant week.  A log book will be located in customer service, where friends and family will log purchases under their contestant’s name.   The contestant with the most sales at the end of the week will win the $300 Dillard’s wardrobe! The new Miss Arkansas will be awarded a minimum $500 wardrobe from Dillard’s in Hot Springs.  However, the wardrobe prize could be much larger!  For every $500 spent by Miss Arkansas patrons during pageant week, Dillard’s in Hot Springs will add $100 to the wardrobe prize package.  Last year Kristen Glover, Miss Arkansas 2011, won $3,500 in merchandise! 

-Plan to purchase your flowers at the Miss Arkansas Pageant through the Miss Arkansas Executive Directors’ Association Booth!  Also, they will sponsor a Crowd Favorite Award.  Support your favorite contestant with $1.00 per vote.  All proceeds go to scholarships for next year’s Miss Arkansas contestants.