On June 19th I found myself back at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. This time, I was in the audience watching a fantastic group of Colorado's young women pursuing their dreams.
Congratulations to the newly crowned Melaina Shipwash - Miss Colorado America 2010, Lexie O'Dowd- Miss Colorado Outstanding Teen 2010, and Kayla Thomas- Miss Colorado Teen 2010. Kayla and her family have been a part of our lives for several years and I'm so excited for them. As Kayla's mentor, I am proud of her accomplishments on and off the pageant stage! She is becoming a remarkable young woman.
Memorial Day was celebrated in style with a group of willing friends! We put together "Team Colorado" -all of us wore red, and strutted our stuff amongst the other 50,000 runners at this year's Bolder Boulder 10k. My pageant training and physical fitness award were put to the test. I was pleasantly surprised with my 52 minutes finish - I've only added 10 minutes to my all time record! Thank you Team Colorado! It was fun running with all of you....okay, it was fun running with my competitive friend, Sarah. Thanks for pushing me.
On June 4th, I had my first television interview as Mrs. Colorado. Being in front of the camera brought back memories of my Broadcast Journalism career following college. Natalie Tysdal conducted the interview. Everyday can be seen on Channel 2, "everyday" at 10:00 am. It's a great show to find out what events are going on in Colorado.
One of my greatest privileges in life is being a Discussion Leader for Bible Study Fellowship. My service with BSF began over five years ago. BSF is a 30+ week bible study that centers around one topic or one book of the bible. This past year we studied the book of John and this coming year we will be studying the book of Isaiah. The class I attend is under the direction of Teaching Leader Adele Funk. On Saturday, June 5th, Adele blessed her leaders with a Thank You retreat. She invited Christian Author, Mimi Wilson to speak on how we have been "Spoken For." It was a beautiful day of refreshing and learning.
The Mrs. Wyoming America 2010 pageant was held on Saturday, May 29th. I had the pleasure of driving to Cheyenne, WY with my fellow queen sisters Megan Yarberry and Christina Sacha to watch the show. The drive to the pageant was a great time for me to get a crash course in what I called, "Mrs. Colorado 101." Thank you Christina and Megan for putting up with all my questions!
Congratulations to the beautiful Lauren Sowerwine, Wyoming's representative to the Mrs. America pageant. Best of luck in your preparations and may your year be blessed!
On Monday, May 24th, I made my first official Mrs. Colorado appearance. The Stop Child Trafficking Now organization held a kick-off event at Saks Fifth Avenue's Cherry Creek store, for the Denver Stiletto Run they will be hosting this coming Fall. The evening was centered around an inspirational talk with SCTNow's President, Founder, and Author Lynette Lewis. Mrs. Colorado looks forward to partnering with the organization and doing what we can to bring awareness to the very disturbing crime of Child Trafficking. To learn more about the organization and the Stiletto Run coming to Denver, go to www.sctnow.org. I have a feeling the Mrs. Colorado State Finalists have a leg up on the Stiletto Run competition. Ladies, sign up now and start practicing!
With SCTNow Founder, President and Author, Lynette Lewis
Being named Mrs. Colorado amongst the other 51 incredible married women from our state is truly an honor. Becoming Mrs. Colorado last Saturday night was a dream of mine, born over 20 years ago on the Miss Teen USA stage. As Miss Colorado Teen USA 1990 I placed in the Top Ten; becoming the first Colorado Teen to achieve that distinction.
Shortly after my teen title, I met and married my high-school sweetheart, Chuck. From the beginning, our marriage set the stage for the two of us challenging each other in all aspects of our lives. As college students we balanced our academic pursuits while building our family.
Our marriage of 17 years has blessed us beyond comprehension. Today, we have three wonderful children who bless us daily. I love spending time at their sporting events and participating in bible studies with other women. I am truly excited to be part of the Mrs. Colorado family and will be introduced on Channel 31, "Everyday" at 10:00 am on June 4th! Tune in to watch my first television interview.
Come back often to keep up with my adventures as I prepare for Mrs. America!
Mrs. Colorado 2010 is.......Shalon Polson! I am so proud to have crowned Shalon as my successor. She was absolutley stunning, and will be a great addition to the Mrs. Colorado family. After having competed with Shalon twice before, it was wonderful to see her dream of becoming Mrs. Colorado become a reality. I wish her the very best of luck on her journey!
How is it possible that my year as Mrs. Colorado has come to an end?! My expectations during my reign exceeded everything I’d ever hoped for. I competed for four years before earning the title of Mrs. Colorado, and it was well worth the wait. Having made nearly 60 appearances this past year, I’ve had some of the greatest opportunities imaginable and met some amazing people. Being Mrs. Colorado was not something that was accomplished alone, though. I had the greatest support system that a queen could ask for. From my husband, my parents and family, my in-laws, my sponsors, my friends and my community and sponsors….THEY all made this possible for me. This past year will forever live in my memory as one of the greatest years in my life. Below are pictures of some of the highlights of my year.
Being crowned by my good friend, Mrs. Colorado 2008/Christina Sacha.
With American Idol season 9 contestant, Lily Scott. She was a performer at the 2010 Mrs. Colorado Pageant.
My last official appearance as Mrs. Colorado, on Fox 31 "Fox Box". Other guests on the panel were radio DJ Uncle Nasty, and actor/comedian Mike Epps. Shaul Turner, the host of Fox Box, was a judge for the 2010 Mrs. Colorado Pageant.
At the 2010 Mrs. Colorado Preliminaries with Cyrus Frakes, star of the TLC show "King of the Crown."
With actor, Danny Glover, at the Zarlengo Ball
With my roommate and best friend from Mrs. America, Jen Hart (Mrs. Nebraska)
State Costume at Mrs. America. I represented Colorado’s favorite season, winter, as a snowflake. The headpiece was borrowed from my mentor, Mrs. Colorado 1989 and former Mrs. Colorado Pageant Director, Tricia Dampier.
Top 10 Swimsuit Competition at Mrs. America
Top 10 Evening Gown Competition at Mrs. America
Top 11 semifinalists at the Mrs. America Pageant
Visiting a brave Veteran at the Veteran’s Hospital
Visiting the sweet angels at the Children’s Hospital
Recording the commercial for the “PAWS” Facility in Pueblo. My dog, Neiko, and I were featured in the commercial.
Being introduced and on the “Jumbo-Tron” screen at the Colorado Rockies baseball game.
“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” -Dr. Seuss
I had the opportunity to judge the Denver Bronco Cheerleading final tryouts on May 9th. Over 200 started the tryout process two weeks ago, and by finals night it was narrowed down to 63 hopefuls. At the conclusion of the event, 26 were chosen to represent the team.
Me with the new Denver Broncos Cheerleading Team
With Teresa Shear, the Director of the Cheerleaders and Game Day Entertainment
This was the wall of photos…..containing all 63 girls trying out in the finals.
With Denver Broncos Quarterbacks coach, Ben McDaniels
Being a Canon City native, I was so excited to participate in the 72nd Annual Music and Blossom Festival. The Blossom Festival is Fremont County’s celebration of spring, and great music. The pageant that I direct, the Blossom Pageant, is in existence solely to produce a Queen and Court to reign over the Blossom Weekend festivities. It was an honor to ride in the parade alongside my 2010 Blossom Pageant Royalty. The weather is often hit or miss during the festival weekend, and while it wasn’t exactly warm out, thank goodness it didn’t rain or snow. With the way spring in Colorado has been this year, we were VERY fortunate for that!
Riding down the parade route….my husband was very excited about driving this car!
With my 2010 Blossom Queen and Court, on their float.
With my Blossom Pageant Assistant Director and newly crowned Miss Colorado Galaxy, Amanda Romano
Being that I wanted to devote as much of my reign as possible to being an advocate for animals, it was only fitting that I attend the “Fur-r-r Ball”. This event was held in Colorado Springs, raising money for the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region. This was the 13th Annual Fur-r-r Ball, and was hugely successful, raising over $120,000 for animals in need.
Even this little dog was dressed black tie for the event! Here I am with the key note speaker of the event, Victoria Stilwell. Victoria is a world renowned dog trainer, and host of Animal Planet’s “It’s Me or the Dog.” Me and the new CEO of the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, Jan McHugh-Smith With El Paso County Commissioner, Sallie Clark I think that this picture was snapped while this dog’s head was in mid-shake.
On April 25th, I had the privilege of being on the preliminary panel of judges to select the new teams for both the Denver Bronco Cheerleaders and the Outlaws. We started the day off with 197 hopefuls, and after two cuts narrowed it down to a little over 60. It was a very long, but very fun day! I look forward to judging the final tryouts on May 9th.
In April, my roommate from Mrs. America, Jen, and I took a trip to Las Vegas to escape the cold winters we’d both been having in Colorado and Nebraska. Mrs. Nevada, April, was kind enough to play hostess to us while we were visiting her city. It was a great, well needed vacation with good friends! With April, Mrs. Nevada on the left, and Jen, Mrs. Nebraska on the right. The three of us attended a fashion show/brunch that benefitted the “Blind Allegiance.”
No trip to Vegas would be complete without a picture with an Elvis or two.
This, unfortunately, was the closest we got to the famous Las Vegas sign.
I was SO fortunate to be roommates with Jen at Mrs. America. She has become one of my best friends. We had a great time in Vegas!
Walking the runway with the very cuddly and cute Madison.
On April 9th, I was honored to be a model in the 2nd Annual “Project Ruffway.” The event featured a silent auction, and a fashion show with both models and dogs. The proceeds from the event went towards Colorado State University’s Animal Cancer Center and the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation. The “furry models” were provided by the Table Mountain Animal Center. This event was very near and dear to my heart because my dog, Neiko, was diagnosed with cancer in November of last year. I'm happy to say that Neiko has been fighting his illness with great success and strength! Being able to help raise money for other animals affected by cancer has without a doubt been one of the most memorable events I’ve taken in part in during my reign as Mrs. Colorado.
Madison decided to stop and eat a treat in the middle of the runway. It’s pretty safe to say that the dogs stole the show! The models were just their “arm candy”.
This dog is a cancer survivor who was only diagnosed with 2-3 months to live last April……but he’s still here!
These two little girls were my biggest fans during the event. Here I am signing some of my autograph cards for them.
Participating in fashion shows are always fun because you get hair and makeup done! As you can see, my hair was larger than life! Here I am with the Executive Director of the Bow Wow Buddies Foundation, Melissa Westerman.
Pictured right to left: 2010 Blossom Queen - Taylor Symons, me, 2009 Blossom Queen - Trista DeLaRosa
For 8 years now, I’ve been the Director of the Blossom Pageant. The primary reason for the pageant is to select a Queen and Court to reign over my community’s 72 year old tradition, the Canon City Music and Blossom Festival. The Blossom Pageant was my introduction to pageantry in 1998, when I competed for my first time. The following year, I won the coveted title of Blossom Queen. It was during my reign that I realized that I someday wanted to become director. Pageantry is my passion, and it’s been a privilege working with and mentoring the young ladies who participate in this program.
This year's pageant was on March 20th, and theme was “Learning to Fly,” which I choose because I am inspired by the strength and power of the butterfly. The butterfly starts off in a cocoon, sheltered and hidden. As growth takes place in the cocoon, it begins to break free from its walls. However, this process does not come without struggle. But it is the struggle, in the end, that gives the caterpillar its exquisite wings. Once broken free, the butterfly spreads its wings, and takes flight. I tell my candidates that this process reminds me so much of their journey to the crown. They start off as caterpillars hiding in their cocoon, and by the time the pageant rolls around they spread their wings and fly!
Twenty-six girls participated this year, and all were worthy of the title. Of those twenty-six, the 2010 Blossom Queen and her Court were selected, and they’ve done a fabulous job thus far of representing the community.
Here I am with my 2010 candidates, some of my staff, and the 2009 Queen and Court.
With my Assistant Directors and my Queen and Court
Pictured from left to right: Miss Personality – Hadlie Dew, Assistant Director – Amanda Romano, 1st Attendant – Danielle DesForges, me, 2010 Blossom Queen – Taylor Symons, Assistant Director – Jamie Patrick, 2nd Attendant – Sonora Hill
My great panel of judges and the new Blossom Queen
Pictured from left to right: Jennifer Hart (Mrs. Nebraska 2009), 2010 Blossom Queen – Taylor Symons, Emily Stark, Russell Dampier
I attended the Million Lights of Hope Gala on March 13. The theme for the evening was “Vintage Vegas”, and some of the guests even wore 1920’s inspired outfits! The event featured a silent auction, and a live auction which I assisted with. The gala benefited the HOPE Center, a 48 year old organization that focuses on early childhood education and care and vocational training for adults with developmental disabilities. Services are provided to at-risk children, children with developmental disabilities, and inner city children who are gifted. Many of the children served are from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
I couldn’t resist a photo op in front of the “Las Vegas” sign!
Here I am with the organizer of the event, Gerie Grimes
Showcasing the hockey pucks signed by Patrick Roy during the live auction
I was in charge of “ticket duty” during the evening, where I announced the winning tickets for prize holders.
With “celebrity emcee” of the night, Gloria Neal.
My beautiful mom attended this event with me as my guest.
As a part of the Canon City Music and Blossom Festival Pageant, which I have directed for the past 8 years, I have incorporated a community service effort for the candidates to take part in. I felt that it was important to encourage the candidates to participate in an event that showed our community that the pageant was much more than one glamorous night on stage.
After much deliberation on what type of event I wanted the candidates to be involved with, and more importantly WHAT organization I wanted us to assist, it finally came to me - animals. I have always had a deep compassion for animals, and feel that my pets make my life complete. So I created a walk that would benefit the animals of my community.
This year I organized the 2nd Annual "Tails on the Trail" Walk, which is a walk for both people and their furry friends to participate in. All the proceeds went towards the Fremont County Humane Society. The event was hugely successful, raising over $2,500. The Blossom Pageant candidates play a huge role in this event by getting people pre-registered to participate, in addition to getting monetary donations. To encourage the contestants to get a large amount of pre-registrations, an award is given on-stage the night of the Blossom Pageant to the girl who gets the most donations and pre-registrations. The winner this year got almost 30 people pre-registered!
The "Tails on the Trail" Walk was on March 13, and the weather was absolutely perfect! We had over 150 people participate, with many of them bringing their pets.
Pictured with the 2010 Blossom Pageant Candidates and in the front row is my good friend and assistant director, Jamie Patrick (pictured left), my dog Neiko, and me (pictured on the right).
This is the the inspiration for this event and THE TAIL of the "Tails on the Trail" walk.....my dog, Neiko.
