2009 Miss Colorado America Pageant

On June 28th, I attended the Miss Colorado America Pageant. It was a great show and all the contestants looked amazing! Beautiful and talented young women from all over the state of Colorado competed in the Miss Colorado, Miss Colorado's Outstanding Teen, and the Miss Colorado Teen divisions.

This was the first pageant I attended as a spectator since I won Mrs. Colorado, and I must say that it was REALLY nice to just sit in the audience and relax for a change!

Here I am pictured with the newly crowned Miss Colorado America, Katie Layman. She was stunning on stage, and performed a beautiful dance routine for her talent. Best of luck to Katie at the Miss America Pageant!

For more information, visit their website at www.misscolorado.org.

Style-A-Thon to Benefit the Mrs. Colorado Foundation

What: Style-A-Thon to benefit the Mrs. Colorado Foundation

When: Sunday, July 12th from 10 am - 4 pm

Where: Timothy D’s and Solera Salon located at 8770 East Arapahoe Road, Suite 130, Centennial, CO 80112

Services: All services are provided FREE OF CHARGE (typically priced between $50-$100 per service), with suggested donations going directly to benefit the Mrs. Colorado Foundation. Color, Cut, Styles, Facials and More! (services such as color, facials, and nails will require product fees of $15-$20).

For appointments, please call Timothy D’s directly at 303.744.6444

Mrs. Colorado 2009, Megan Yarberry, will be on hand signing autographs throughout the day. Door prizes and more!!!

Treat yourself to a fun afternoon, while donating to a great organization!

Visit mrscofoundation.org for more information about the Mrs. Colorado Foundation.

"Mrs. Colorado Day" BBQ

Former Governor, Bill Owens, bestowed the Mrs. Colorado Pageant with an "Honorary Proclamation" proclaiming June 13, 2001 as "Mrs. Colorado Day." This was done to honor the commitment made by this organization to our communities and state.

Raeanne Duca, Mrs. Colorado 2000 and owner of the Royal Image Boutique, was kind enough to host a BBQ at her home in honor of "Mrs. Colorado Day". It was a wonderful evening enjoyed by good company and delicious food.

Winning the title of Mrs. Colorado not only gives one lucky woman a year the opportunity to represent our state at Mrs. America and make multiple appearances on behalf of this organization, but it allows the chance to become a "Queen Sister." Former pageant director, Tricia Dampier, created such a fantastic environment for her queens that they never want to leave. Over time, a "family" was created and is now being carried on by the new director Emily Stark. I have said it before, and I'll say it a million times more during my reign....I am honored to be a part of this group of women who I respect and admire so much. Pictured above are 9 of us in the Mrs. Colorado sisterhood.

Of course we couldn't have a "Mrs. Colorado Day" without this handsome group of men....our "Mr. Colorado's." The men weren't too excited about this picture at first, but I just couldn't resist making them all pose. It's nice to recognize these great guys in our lives, and tell them thanks for being such great "pageant hubbies"!

4th Annual "Bark at the Briargate"

I've always LOVED animals! My parents encouraged my appreciation for our furry friends at a very young age, and for that I am so thankful. I have never lived a day in my life without having a pet. My husband and I don't have children of our own yet, but we do have two incredible "fur babies." Our Norwegian elkhound dog, Neiko, and gray shorthair cat, Oscar, make our lives so much fun and complete.

It was only fitting when I was crowned Mrs. Colorado that I wanted take my title as an opportunity to work with various animal organizations. This was the first, of what I'm hoping will be many, animal focused events.

I spent a chilly Saturday afternoon supporting the 4th Annual "Bark at the Briargate," held in Colorado Springs at the Promenade Shops at Briargate. This event was originally launched so that shoppers would realize how pet-friendly the Promenade Shops at Briargate are. Many shops and restaurants actually welcome pets to both shop and dine with their owners. Following the "Bark at the Briargate" was the "Yip Yip Yappy Hour," which included a canine fashion show, live music, food and refreshments.

Many pet related vendors set up booths to showcase their goods and services, and dogs of all shapes and sizes roamed around (on leashes of course) with their owners. It was quite a sight to behold, and was a lot of fun!

Wow!!! This Great Pyrenees was truly a "gentle giant"! What a beautiful and sweet animal!

Pet owners were given the chance to submit their pet's photo to the Promenade Shops at Briargate’s facebook page. Various gift certificates were awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Here I am standing next to the picture board displaying all the pet entries.

This is Reagan, he was the 2nd place winner of the pet picture contest. He was a very regal, patriotic dog.

This dog had the royal treatment; she rode around in her own little pink doggy stroller all day!

During the event I hung out under the Colorado Petacular Magazine booth. This magazine is a wonderful tool for Colorado pet lovers as their various publications include information on "responsible pet care education, entertainment, and inspiration focusing on the Colorado lifestyle."

Kicking off the "Yip Yip Yappy Hour" was a canine fashion show, which was hosted by the Colorado Petacular Magazine. This little dog was cute as a button all gussied up as a southern belle.

This playful pooch was dressed up for the fashion show as a hunter.....camouflage and all.

As a fellow animal lover, my loyal and supportive "Mr. Colorado" enjoyed the afternoon with me.

"Queen for a Day" at the Children's Hospital

I was so humbled after spending an afternoon at the Denver Children's Hospital, where I was invited to participate in the "Queen for a Day" program. It was great to see other Colorado state titleholders, local firefighters, and multiple volunteers take part in this heartwarming event.

The little girls played dress up for the afternoon by having their make-up and nails done, and afterwards they were given their very own princess tiara and a pink feather boa. This event wasn't just for girls though, as boys had the opportunity to hang out with heroic firefighters who handed out helmets and sticker badges.

This is sweet little Maddy, her smile melted my heart! She was so enthusiastic and curious about all the happenings during the afternoon. What an angel!

Pretty in pink, and all smiles in her tiara and feather boa.

This little guy was such a trooper. Even though he just had a very painful surgery on his back, he still eagerly got up from his bed to take a picture with us.

Pictured with two fellow "Queens" who volunteered at the "Queen for a Day" program. On my left is Ms. United Nation International 2008, Vanessa Anderson and on my right is Miss Teen Colorado USA, Taylor Schettler.

Mrs. Colorado photo shoot

On Monday, June 1st I had my first official photo shoot as "Mrs. Colorado 2009." It was so much fun getting to wear my crown and banner in the pics, they're probably my favorite accessories I've ever had!

The mastermind behind all of my awesome pictures was Megan Anderson of Graphique Fine Art Photography, who is absolutley AMAZING! She makes taking pictures so much fun and effortless. My incredible make artist, Kari Kisch of "Make-up by Kari" made my look complete for the photo shoot. Christina Sacha, Mrs. Colorado 2008, recently started her own image consulting business called "Creating the Perfect You." I was so happy to have her at my photo shoot to provide her sevices. Also at there was the Mrs. Colorado Director, Emily Stark, to share her expertise. And my sweet mom was at the shoot too, she's such a trooper. She makes the long drive to Denver with me nearly every time I have an appearance or event.

Thanks for a GREAT day ladies!

American Heart Association's "Heart and Stroke Walk"

On June 6th, the American Heart Association hosted their annual “Heart and Stroke Walk” to help fight and bring awareness to heart disease. The Mrs. Colorado Organization showed our support by creating a group called “The Queen of Hearts”, which consisted of me, former Mrs. Colorado titleholders, 2009 contestants, and friends.

Here I am pictured with Christina Sacha, Mrs. Colorado 2008. In 2007 Christina’s husband suffered a massive heart attack. So needless to say, during her reign as Mrs. Colorado she was very involved with the American Heart Association. It was an honor to participate in this event and carry on the support created by Christina.

Mrs. Colorado Director, Emily Stark and me.

Our beautiful banner was created by “3rd Dimension Signs,” which is located in Canon City, Colorado.

My friend Jamie is such a trooper and supportive friend! I was so happy that she traveled to Denver with me to join us during the walk.

It was so much fun hanging out with some of my “Queen Sisters” during this great event! Pictured left to right: Emily Stark (Pageant Director and Mrs. Colorado 2002), Christina Sacha (Mrs. Colorado 2008), Sheri Engstrom (Mrs. Colorado 2004), me (Mrs. Colorado 2009), and Jennifer Lamont (Mrs. Colorado 2005).

Lori Pace (Mrs. Denver) and Kimberly Reece (Mrs. Westminster) were kind enough to hold our “Queen of Hearts”banner as we walked together in the fight against heart disease.

Sentry Siren Summit, June 2-7

My husband and father-in-law own a company called Sentry Siren, Inc which manufactures products for emergency warning systems. The company sponsored a retreat for its top salespersons in Breckenridge, Colorado at the "Little Mountain Lodge" (pictured above). As a supportive wife, I attended to help host our guests during their stay.

Here is the "Sentry family", which included company executives, top salespersons, and thier spouses. The group enjoyed 6 days of classes about early warning technology, and some much deserved rest and relaxation.

My fellow pageant friend, Jamie, and myself discovered three businesses in downtown Breckenridge that featured crowns in their logos. So of course, we just had to take pictures in front of every one of them.

Business number one....

Business number two....

And finally business number three. I was SO excited that there was actually a coffee shop called "The Crown Cafe!"

But as I eagerly ran up to the doors to go order the "Cool Crown Mocha" I read this sign...."closed until June 12". Oh well, maybe next time.

May 31st Colorado Rockies Baseball Game

I was very honored to be recognized at the Colorado Rockies baseball game on May 31st against the San Diego Padres. They were kind enough to show me on the "jumbo-tron" and introduce me prior to the game. I couldn't think of a better way to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon than partaking in one of America's greatest pastimes, at a ballgame. Make sure to support the Rockies this season, and check out their website at www.ColoradoRockies.com. GO ROCKIES!

There's just something magical about a baseball field as pretty as this one. Maybe it's because my husband is a high school baseball coach and I now know all the hard work that goes into grooming a field to look this good.

Hometown Celebration Party

My proud parents were kind enough to throw a "celebration party" on May 30th in honor of me winning Mrs. Colorado. It was a great turn out, and everyone had a fantastic time. Living in Canon City my whole life has been such a great experience. My community is so supportive of all I do, and I am so thankful for that.

Canon City's best florist, Touch of Love, sent me this stunning bouquet of flowers to congratulate me on winning Mrs. Colorado. They also had fresh Hawaiian leis flown in for me and my husband to wear during the party.

A cake fit for a queen! The three layers were all different flavors. The top was almond, the middle was chocolate hazelnut (my favorite), and the bottom was chocolate raspberry. I had to indulge in a little sample of each before beginning my rigorous training for Mrs. America!

My friend Chris was the creator and mastermind behind this delicious and fabulous cake!

It was so special to have 3 of my "Sister Queens" celebrating with me at my party. Left to right: Debi Moore, (Mrs. Colorado 1994) is one of my greatest friends and mentor; Emily Stark (Mrs. Colorado 2002) is my amazing director; and Tiffany Sawyer (Mrs. Colorado 2007) has become a wonderful friend as well.

Mr. and Mrs. Colorado! Gosh, I love him....

Me and my awesome mom

One of my best friends, Holly. She is getting married in June and I get to be her Matron of Honor. I'm so excited!

My very good friend Jamie (left) and my 2009 Blossom Pageant 1st Attendant, Taylor (center). The Blossom Pageant is a 63 year pageant for the teens of my community that I've directed for 7 years.

My dad and family friend Rick are in a great band called Deja Bluz, and they played "a little of the blues" for me during my party.

This is my incredible jewelry designer, Suzanne Walters of Mimi's Gems. She creates the most exquisite Swarovski crystal jewelry for all my pageant outfits. And not only is she extremely talented, but she's a very dear friend.

This is my childhood dance teacher, Anita, whom I took lessons from for 13 years. I was very shy and quiet as a kid, so at the age of 5 my mom entered me in dance class. It's because of this woman and taking dance lessons that I acquired the ability to be so comfortable on stage. It changed me forever!

My friend Holly, my mom and I all put our baking skills to the test as we made crown shaped sugar cookies and cream cheese mints for my guests to enjoy. They're kind of hard to see in this picture, but I had to show off our hard work. And they tasted amazing!

Celebrating my first week of being Mrs. Colorado 2009!

What better way to celebrate my first week of being Mrs. Colorado 2009 than going camping?! My parents, husband, and good friends headed out on our annual Memorial Weekend camping trip at a campground near Westcliffe. I've been camping and enjoying the great Colorado outdoors since I was born.
Did I take my crown and banner camping? OF COURSE! And here's the picture to prove it.

Camping on Memorial Day Weekend is always a luck of the draw when it comes to the weather. Last year it was freezing cold and snowing, and this year was no exception as it was very chilly and rainy. But Colorado is ALWAYS beautiful come rain or shine, and this picture proves that.

The American Heart Association's "Heart & Stroke Walk"

Saturday, June 6 the American Heart Association will host their annual "Heart & Stroke Walk". The Mrs. Colorado Organization stands strong in the fight against heart disease, and is proud to support this great event. As Mrs. Colorado 2009, I am excited to lead "The Queen of Hearts" group during the walk, and would like to invite all former Mrs. Colorado titleholders and the 2009 Mrs. Colorado candidates to join our group. The 2009 candidates are welcome to wear your local banner, and feel free to wear something RED!

We will meet at 7:30 am in front of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House (where our group picture was taken the night of the pageant) in downtown Denver. The walk will begin at 8:00 am and go until noon. I hope to see you all there supporting this great cause!

The American Heart Association's "Heart & Stroke Walk"

Saturday, June 6th

8:00 am-Noon

Meeting in front of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House

92.5 The Wolf Radio Show Interview....my first appearance!

The Monday morning after I won was my first official appearance as Mrs. Colorado 2009. I did a live radio interview with host Tracy Taylor of 92.5 The Wolf. What a great way to start off this adventure!

Tracy Taylor, me, and Christina Sacha (Mrs. Colorado 2008)

Make sure to tune in to 92.5 The Wolf in the mornings and listen to Tracy!

A dream come true!

After vying for the crown for 4 years, it is an honor to now call myself Mrs. Colorado 2009 and be a part of this amazing group of women who’ve held the title before me. In addition, I’m honored to represent all the 2009 candidates who are undoubtedly some of the most incredible women I’ve ever met! This journey to becoming Mrs. Colorado was made possible because of the love and support I received from my “Mr. Colorado”, my parents, in-laws, family, friends and community. I would like to give a heartfelt THANKS to all of you! WE did it!!!!

As I sit here on my couch writing my first official blog entry as “Mrs. Colorado”, I think that the reality of what lies ahead is sinking in. I am so excited to work alongside my Director, Emily, and my “Sister Queens” in this upcoming year. The reigning Mrs. Colorado always has the opportunity to participate with and support such great organizations and events; I’m really looking forward to all of them. And Mrs. America will be here before I know it, which I am absolutely ecstatic about!

In closing, I would like to end with the lyrics to a song that I feel have summed up my 4 year journey to becoming Mrs. Colorado. I heard this song a few months ago, and was deeply touched by its lyrics. Ironically, this was the song that played during our “Top 5 Production Number” in the Mrs. Colorado Pageant this year. To everyone who’s ever had a dream….this is for you! Enjoy your journey!

“There’s always going to be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to have to lose

Ain’t about how fast I get there

Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side

IT’S THE CLIMB!”

-Miley Cyrus (The Climb)

Royal Regards,
Megan Yarberry
Mrs. Colorado 2009

Floating on cloud nine, as Mrs. Colorado 2009!

Mr. Colorado", my husband Scott. The king of my heart!

The Top 15....they were all such incredible women!

1st Runner Up, Rita Case....such a sweetheart!

The Top 5

What a proud moment this was to be photographed with some of the "Queen Sisters".

Me, Emily (the Acting Mrs. Colorado Director and Mrs. Colorado 2002), and Christina (Mrs. Colorado 2008)

My good friend and Mrs. Colorado 2008, Christina Sacha

The most incredible parents in the world!!!!

My wonderful in-laws!

My dear friend and mentor, Tricia (the Exectutive Director of the Mrs. Colorado Pageant, and Mrs. Colorado 1989).

I was VERY excited to wear my crown and sash into the restaurant after the pageant! And I have a very "picture happy" mom whom I'm sure will capture EVERY moment of my year as Mrs. Colorado! I didn't even get a chance to walk in and put my purse down before she was snapping pics of me! Love you mom!

Three of my GREATEST friends celebrating with me after the pageant. I wandered around the restaurant sampling all of my family and friends food, anxiously awaiting my giant hamburger to arrive!

The morning after the pageant, with my VERY proud "Mr. Colorado." We were both still on cloud nine. I am SO fortunate to have a husband who was equally as excited about this dream as me.

Mrs. Colorado 2009!!!!!

Congratulations to Mrs. Colorado 2009, Megan Yarberry!!!!!

The beautiful top 5 finalist wait to hear the results . . . .

15 former Mrs. Colorado titleholders were there to welcome our new queen sister!!

Check back soon to follow Megan's year as Mrs. Colorado 2009!

I HAVE HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE!!

I can't believe in just a few days I will be crowning the new Mrs. Colorado!

This past year has been amazing!

Having made almost 60 appearances, I reflect on each one with fond memories and gratitude. This past year has made me a better person!

Thank you to the people of Colorado for all of your support and making me proud to represent this beautiful state!

Good Luck to all of the 2009 contestants!

I can't wait to see you this weekend!!

At Mrs. America in Tucson, AZ.

Celebrating a cancer survivor's remission.


Children's Hospital



The Heart Walk

Boo at the Zoo Heart Healthy Challenge

Make A Wish Foundation. Survivor and artist.

Mrs. America delegates.

Recipients of the Henry M. Porter humanitarian award.

Queen For A Day at Children's Hospital.

Henry Winkler at the Zarlengo Ball.

Veteran's Dinner.

With McGruff.

2009 Mrs. Colorado Tickets

Don't forget to get your tickets to the Mrs. Colorado 2009 pageant at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on Saturday May 16th @ 7 p.m.

Also, tickets are still available to watch all 45 contestants compete in evening gown and swimsuit at the preliminary competition held on Thursday, May 14th @ 7 p.m. at the Double Tree (225 & Iliff).

Purchase tickets by contacting the Mrs. Colorado office at 303-593-1199.

Tickets can also be purchased on the night of both events.

Don't miss YOUR favorite gal be announced Mrs. Colorado 2009!!!

Denver Bronco Cheerleading Final Auditions

I had such a blast judging the final auditions for the Denver Bronco Cheerleaders.

I quickly posed for a picture in front of the photos of the official squad just before they were announced to the crowd.

The event was open to the public at the DU theater. It was a packed house of Bronco fans!

With fellow judges.

Teresa Shear, Director of the Denver Bronco Cheerleaders, announces the new squad.

Congratulations to the 2009 Denver Bronco Cheerleaders!!

American Girl event at Loveland Girls & Boys Club

Mrs. Northern Colorado, Jody Brown, hosted a wonderful event at the Longmont Boys and Girls Club through American Girl.

The event was for young girls about how to handle "bullying".

It was a wonderful turnout with over 20 young girls who shared there stories of bullying and how they handled it.

I was honored to sign autographs and speak to the girls about having the courage to "speak up" about bullying and to encourage them to stand up for themselves.

It is always great when I can bring along my daughter, Lila, especially when a powerful message is to learn!

A few of the girls pose for a picture.

Pass the message on to children in your life.

Finally back to my blog!!

I have been away from my blog for about 2 months and glad to be back giving updates!

I have kept very busy over the past couple of months with preparing for the upcoming show on May 16th at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, launching my new business, the life of mommy & wife and of course being Mrs. Colorado.

I have more great things on the calender in my last few weeks as Mrs. Colorado so keep checking back!