Miss Michigan Week, Update #1

Hello everyone!

It's Tuesday here in Muskegon, and the Miss Michigan contestants (including me) have officially been here for 3 days! Sunday started off with a talent rehearsal for all 30 contestants. It was great to see what everyone has been working on all year, everyone here is so talented. The judges definatly have their work cut out for them, thats for sure!

After talents, we all moved into the dance studio to learn the opening and closing numbers for Saturday. 4 hours got a little long, especially on the first day. But the choreographers have been great, and are really good about giving us breaks and letting us out early! Sunday for dinner, we were treated to Red Lobster. It takes time to feed 30 hungry beauty queens, but the whole restraunt team was really great about it!

Monday was another full day of practice, with a break for lunch with the exchange club. Dinner was at Buffalo Wild Wings, one of my favorites! The whole restraunt, guests included really took to our visit, and it was great to get to interact with everyone!

Today, Tuesday, was interview day! My interview was at 2pm, and it went GREAT! I feel really good about it, so hopefully the judges felt the same way! For dinner we visited the beautiful Muskegon Country Club. Tomorrow on stage competition starts, where I will compete in Life Style and Fitness, and Evening Wear.

All in all, its been a great begining to the week. My roommate Emily, (Miss Sunrise Side), is so nice. She is such a sweetheart, and I am grateful for the opportunity to get to know her more! The other girls have been great too. Also, a HUGE thank you to Julie Stephens, the Danish Festival Board of Directors, Noddea Skidmoore, and Shannon Odonald for the gifts!

More tomorrow hopefully!

All 30 contestants at the Exchange Club luncheon

All the contestants in front of the theatre.

Interview outfits. My roomie and I =]

Some little fans at Buffalo Wild Wings.

4 Days and Counting

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, MISS MICHIGAN.

In just 4 days, Julie and I will make the trip to Muskegon for the last time this year. On Saturday the contestants will arrive to compete for the title of Miss Michiga 2010. I'm happy to say that I feel like I am completly prepared, and so very excited to spend the week with such amazing women. After having met most of the girls vying for the title, I am glad to say that, each and every one of them is so deserving.

This past week I had the unique opportunity to spend time at CMU, volunteering with the Special Olympic Summer Games. My roommate for the weekend was Nicole, our current Miss Michigan. We had such a blast! Thursday we girls were invited to a VIP Reception in the Kelly/Shorts stadium, where we were fed very well (my favorite!), before making our way to the opening ceremony line up. Each girl was assigned to the group of athletes from her area of the state. Alexa Lalonde, Miss Stanton, and I were assigned to Area Six. We were pleasantly surprised to find that we were not the only 'celebrity' volunteers. The CMU football players were also volunteering their time!

It was great to have to opportunity to mingle with the athletes, and to meet some amazing people. It was so nice to attend an event where everyone is so welcoming and excited to have you there. Friday consisted of mingling with the athletes, handing out medals, and a huge autograph session. Then came my favorite part, the closing ceremony and dance for the athletes. The ceremony and dance were out in the stadium. It was so much fun dancing with everyone and giving out autographs!

Saturday was a parade in Carson City. And the next big event is Miss Michigan. Before I post photos, I would like to remind everyone of my Wardrobe Showing/ Send-Off Party at the Greenville Area Community Center on Thursday. 6:00 to 8:00 PM. I would love to see you all there!

Signing Autographs at the SAC

Opening Ceremonies with a few of the Area 6 athletes

Some of the Athletes and Football Players. These guys were fantastic!

Just can't hide that Chippewa Pride!

Possibly my favorite picture of the weekend.