It's time! The Miss Rodeo America 2008 Pageant has Begun
Twenty-seven western beauties checked into the 2008 Miss Rodeo America Pageant this morning at The Orleans Hotel and Casino. Joined by Ashely Andrews, Miss Rodeo America 2008, the contestants turned in their tickets for the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation drawings and were then introduced to the audience. Chaperon Debbie Dilley had the honor of introducing each state titleholder as Ashley presented official state banners to each representative.
Following the introductions, which were held in the Gator Lounge this year, contestants were taken for lunch. At 1:00 they joined parents, pageant personnel and other guests in the Showroom for the official orientation. MRA, Inc Executive Board President Tracy Damrell introduced members of the Executive Board on stage and then turned the program over to MRA Executive Director Raeana Wadhams. She continued with introductions of the judges and pageant personnel. Media Director Sue Lynn Perry covered information concerning media and the contestants, then Raeana conducted the official business portion of the orientation required of the pageant. Each contestant introduced themselves and their hometowns to the audience.
The contestants are required to wear a Wrangler brand pant product and blouse to check in. An array of colors were represented, including greens, yellows, salmons, purples and the basics of black, white and chocolate. Some contestants chose traditional five-pocket Wranglers while others wore suede or classic polyester dress pants. No matter their choice, each looked spectacular in their chosen color and the judges have their work cut out for them.
As part of the official business portion of the orientation two parent representatives were selected to be members of the "Draw" committee. Just like rodeo, the order of competition for each judged event is drawn for.
The contestants are now moving into their rooms. They are paired together, and you can imagine the amount of clothing, boots, hats and other accessories two queens can have for a week-long competition! Tracy Damrell remarked that a chiropractor should be put on staff for the parents after moving their daughters in. After they are all in, the contestants will have a casual dinner in the contestant suite followed by the first rehearsal for the Tuesday night fashion show. Their parents will enjoy a parent social which will include members of the Executive Board and Ashley's parents.
Tomorrow morning the contestants will start their day early with breakfast followed by a day of personal interviews, photogenic photo sittings and the taping of their one-minute media interview. In the evening they will attend the Miss Rodeo America Scholarship Foundation Dinner, take a written test and have a few more minutes of dance practice before heading off to bed and getting a good nights sleep prior to the Horsemanship competition.
Your blog team is looking forward to bringing you the exciting action of the Miss Rodeo America 2008 Pageant. We have several special interest interviews planned and we'll be speaking with each contestant throughout the week. Please check back often as we'll be updating posts with photos and adding information daily. We'll do our best to keep you on the edge of your seat as we await the announcement of Miss Rodeo America 2008.
