The last thing I wrote about was the first night of preliminaries where Kathryn performed her talent. The next day I got a little extra sleep and went to the famous "Trade Show" where you can purchase anything and everything with a crown on it :-) A pageant girls dream. Many dresses, designers, purses, jewelry you name it, they had it. Of course I wanted to buy everything, but I ended up only buying a couple of tote bags with crowns on them. They are so cute! I also had the opportunity to meet Caressa Cameron, Miss America 2010, at the trade show!
Caressa Cameron and I
Wednesday night was the second night of prelims where Kathryn had her on stage question. Again I got to sneak up to the front of the theater where I was lucky enough to sit in the fourth row! I got some great footage of Kathryn doing her introduction and her on stage question. Check them out here:
Introduction: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3vQV1RagNM
On Stage Question: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Oda4FRA-gI
Wasn't she fabulous! I loved going to visitation after each prelim night and congratulating her! Kathryn was so appreciative of everyone coming and gave us all a hug each night. She made us all feel so special even though I'm sure she was exhausted.
I got a photo with Reggie Rivers, He was the best emcee ever!
Miss Minnesota 2001, Kari Knuttila and I
Visitation after Wednesday Night Prelims
Thursday came too fast and it was the final prelim night. It was the busiest prelim night yet. So many people came. Kathryn competed in Life Style and Fitness and Evening Wear. I recorded the swim wear portion, but my camara failed to record the evening wear :-(
Life Style and Fitness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4i41X9INmg
Visitation after Thursday Night Prelims
I got a photo with former Miss America, Lauren Nelson!
Friday morning we all had brunch at the "Knuttila Suite" and a group of girls (including myself) went down to the Paris Hotel to save spots for the DSW Show Us Your Shoes Parade. We had the biggest crowd at the parade and you certainly could not miss us. We were all wearing white angel halos to match Kathryn's costume of a "Minnesota nice angel." We even had biodegradable snow to throw in the air when Kathryn walked by. There was a slight breeze that afternoon and the snow flew back into our faces that stuck in everyone's hair. It was so funny to be in sunny weather and see fake snow in everyone's hair.
It was so much fun to see all of the other state's costumes as well. There were a lot of unique ideas, like biker outfits, hula girls, snow flakes, and sporting teams. I also achieved my goal of meeting Katie Stam and getting a photo with her at the parade! She was so graceful and nice to everyone.
Katie Stam!
Miss America's Outstanding Teen, Lacey Russ
A random story about the Gala was when I was waiting in line to get some roast beef, Tony Bowls came in line right behind me. I turned around and started talking with him. He was very nice and I got a photo with him! I guess you can say I was a little star struck :-)
Tony Bowls and I
Finally, it was the day we had all been waiting for. Saturday! The entire day I was in awe of the fact that I was attending the 90th Anniversary Miss America Pageant! The energy in the theater that night is indescribable. All of the contestants had worked so hard to get to this point and the time had finally come. The moment they started naming the top 15 semifinalist I immediately started to tear up. I wanted Kathryn to be a finalist so bad and I was worried why they weren't calling her name. After every name was called I squeezed my hands tighter and tighter together hoping Kathryn's name was called next. Although her name was not called, I have never been more proud of being from Minnesota. I know that many would agree with me when I say that Kathryn executed every area of competition with grace, elequence, poise, beauty, and talent.
Waiting in the longest line I have ever seen!
Miss CA and I took off our shoes :-)
Kathryn and I
Seeing the Miss America Pageant in person was a wonderful experience. It really showed me that anything can happen at any given moment. Everyone must be on their toes at all times because you honestly have no idea who will be crowned! But that's the nature of pageantry :-) Gotta love it!
I'm looking forward to attending the Miss Coon Rapids and Sweeps pageants in February. I can't believe they are the last local pageants until Miss Minnesota!
Always,
Bethany Beniek
No comments:
Post a Comment