Miss Arkansas Pageant Week- Part 4

Friday morning was the earliest morning!  When I heard that Alyse Eady (Miss Arkansas 2010 and THV morning anchor) had scheduled two interviews with me starting at 5:00 a.m, I knew I would have to talk to her about that!  Thankfully, I made it on time and even got a nap in after the interviews!  I don't know how she does that early morning show each day!

  Alyse conducted the interviews in different settings, including the stage, the silent auction area, dressing rooms, and the 75^th Anniversary Hall of Fame!  I was especially impressed with the Hall of Fame, where Jane Slocum and Bill Tarkington had organized a display featuring dozens of portraits and winning gowns of previous Miss Arkansas titleholders.  What an honor to be a part of the sisterhood and have my winning dress on display, as well! 

I ate lunch with the production crew and discussed the Friday night show. It is amazing how much goes into running the Miss Arkansas pageant.  Stacy Jones from Fort Smith does an excellent job as producer, while Micki Konency from Stuttgart is the choreographer.  We also have SMART productions from Texas running sound, and JC Productions runs video.  And don’t forget, there are numerous volunteers backstage and in the dressing room.  Wow!  

After lunch, I was excited to see the Studio Allegro Dance Team, dressed in matching tanks, ready to rehearse!  I danced on the Studio Allegro competition team under Micki Konency for 10 years and was thrilled to share the Miss Arkansas stage with them on Friday night!  We performed a high-energy tap dance, complete with black lights and neon lights, to “Party Rock”!  That night, I was so proud of those girls for the way they energized the audience and stole the show!  


In addition to rehearsal, other events were scheduled for Friday afternoon!  The Miss Arkansas board facilitated an hour-long meeting with the Miss Arkansas panel of judges for contestants' parents and executive directors.  The judges began by telling what they look for in a state titleholder.  Then, they allowed the audience to ask questions.  In brief, the judges emphasized the following:

·                Competition line-up does not affect the judges’ scores. 

·                A good interview is one that leaves the judges wanting to know about that girl.

·                Because Miss Arkansas is a well-established, full-time job position, it is most important for judges to choose a girl committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of Miss Arkansas. 

After the judges meeting, the Miss Arkansas board members held a closed meeting with the executive directors of local preliminary pageants.  I asked to attend the meeting and speak to the directors.  I greatly appreciate the volunteer work that directors give to the system and wanted to speak on behalf of the next Miss Arkansas.  I stressed the importance of Miss Arkansas supporting local pageants and local pageants supporting Miss Arkansas.  When we work to support each other, the entire Miss Arkansas Organization benefits.  Thanks to CITGO providing her a $10,000 gas allowance, Miss Arkansas should be able to do more around the state of Arkansas for a smaller contract fee!  I encouraged the directors to take advantage of that opportunity and build the Miss Arkansas program! 

The Friday night show was another great night!  I enjoyed my “Party Rock” performance with Studio Allegro and received many compliments on my gowns from Tony Bowls and Venue!  I enjoyed watching talent and evening gown but was surprised during the swimsuit production number.  That night, I decided to ask one of the judges to dance and just so happened to pick the one who REALLY knows how to dance!  He spun me around and dipped me so fast that I almost lost my crown!  I think the audience realized that I asked for more than I could handle while wearing those high heels and a crown! 

 One of my Tony Bowls dresses from Venue!

Congratulations to the Friday night alpha award winners!

Miss Northwest Arkansas Sarah Gafvert

Miss Apple Blossom Molly Jones

Miss Ozark Highlands Abby Lindsey

Photos by You’ve Got the Look Photography! 

Congratulations to the Friday night preliminary winners!

Miss Greater Jacksonville Maegan Inzer

Miss Heart of the Ozarks Sloane Roberts

Miss Northwest Arkansas Sarah Gafvert

Visitation on Friday night was definitely the busiest!  I was especially happy to see my brother Mark, sister-in-law Brooke, and my precious niece Addison!  We did the best we could to get a family photo… 

 Almost a good picture!

 my extended family!

 One of my favorites- Miss Arkansas 2008 Ashlen Batson Thomason!

I also looked forward to the post-pageant party for the contestants because I knew we had cheese dip and salsa waiting for us in the suite.  Several of the contestants stayed late to talk and laugh!  I got tickled when my chaperone Robin asked the girls if they had seen a few of her favorite commercials.  All of the girls shook their heads, which prompted Robin to say, “What do you girls do with your time?”  Chelsy Jones spoke up, “Ask me about health care!”  Haha! It was priceless!