Miss Minnesota Week was intense and amazing. Immediately after the week ended I had to jump right back into reality. I was unable to blog over Miss MN week o (or the following week for that matter) but better late than never I always say; so here are highlights from my wonderful week.
Saturday June 11th, was Miss MN move in day where all 21 of us local title holders moved into the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Before moving in I put my mind to rest by visiting my grandpa who had been rushed to the hospital only a few days prior. It is always fun hanging out with my grandpa and I left in a great mood knowing things were getting better for him.
My parents helped me move into my hotel room with my lovely roommate, Shanda Arbach. Once we all moved into the hotel we made door hanger name tags then it was off to bed.
Sunday June 12th, we got up early to be a part of the Glitz Fashion Show. All of us wore our sparkly opening number dresses and were the first people in the Mall of America. The Glitz fashion show is one of my favorite appearances because they dress all of us contestants up in the most glamorous dresses. My whole family came to watch and take pictures, which meant a lot to me since I wouldn’t see them again until after the Thursday night preliminary pageant. After the fashion show we were treated to a delicious lunch at Crave in the Mall of America (it was sooo delicious I ate seconds!).
Once we left the mall it was back to the hotel so the Quality of Life finalists could have their interviews. This was the only time during our week that we would be able to rest during the day so the rest of us contestants relaxed and took naps. After a nice rest to recharge our batteries we had an amazing dinner at Santorini’s.
Monday June 13th, was a very busy day! We started at Gillette Children’s Hospital where we had the opportunity to make cookies with some of the patients there and get a full tour of the hospital. I met an adorable little baby boy named Drey and I was honored to teach him how to say cookie in sign language. Last year I remembered that someone had forgotten their crown for an event so I made sure to carry my last year’s crown with me just in case. My extra crown came in handy when a sweet little girl at Gillette was told she could be a princess in the future; I got to practice my crowning abilities as I bobby pinned the crown on her head. I let her borrow the crown while she was there but she had a hard time parting with it.
After a wonderful visit at Gillette we were off to the Capital. Not only did we get an awesome VIP tour of the Capital; but we also got to meet, shake hands, and talk with Governor Dayton. We had an inspirational time at the Capital and after went to take photos with our many Miss MN sponsors. To end a wonderful day we went to dinner at Fuddruckers where I got my delectable chocolate malt.
Tuesday June 14th, we were able to spend our day at the Minnesota Zoo. It was so nice to just stroll through the zoo and enjoy the day. We all made it to the traditional bird show where we signed many autograph cards to many sweet kids. After the zoo it was off to lunch at Chianti Grill (this is one of my favorite sponsored lunches because the food is better than amazing!). After lunch we moved all of our belongings to the theatre and had rehearsal on the stage. To end such a great day we went to Bucca Di Beppo where we enjoyed the best Italian food with amazing cheese and chocolate cake for dessert.
Wednesday June 15th, was a day full of rehearsals. We started our day at the Original Pancake House for some of the best pancakes I have ever eaten. Then we went to the theater to rehearse all day. The Miss MN board likes to put on a good show so we worked on lighting, music cues, and on perfecting opening number. After a day full of rehearsals we were taken to Brunswick Lanes for an entertaining night of bowling. This was a great and silly evening that was perfect for the night before our first Miss MN preliminary night.
On Thursday June 16th, I couldn’t believe it was already the first night of competition. All 21 of us contestants had our interviews and talent rehearsals during the day. I was contestant #15 which meant I was a part of group 2 and was judged in the swimsuit and evening gown portion of the pageant. I was honored to be awarded Thursday night’s Preliminary Swimsuit Award. It was great to have such a great group of supporters in the audience and even greater to see my family and friends afterwards.
Friday June 17th, after a wonderful breakfast at IHOP it was the Miss Minnesota golf tournament. I was flattered to have my own team who took this game very seriously and gave it their all. My team took fourth place, but was first in my eyes. With their matching team shirts they were definitely the best looking team! Also, two of my team members won the “closest to the pin” awards. After a nice morning of golf we loaded the vans and were off to the theatre for another night of preliminary competition. I was judged on the on stage question and talent portion of the pageant this night. Again it was amazing to see all of my family and friends after the pageant.
Saturday June 18th, came sooner than I had expected. In the morning we had a beautiful brunch with our family and friends. Before the brunch I took some time to thank Shanda for being such a great roommate; I awarded her "The Best Roommate Award" because she truely was. During the brunch all of us contestants shared our favorite memories from the week and we celebrated the amazing year that Kathryn Knuttila had as Miss Minnesota 2010. After brunch we had to move all the rest of our belongings out of the hotel and then head over to the theatre. We practiced the opening number dance for the Saturday night show that was different than the preliminary night opening number. This was the big night! After the opening number the MC announced the Top Ten contestants who would compete that evening for the title of Miss Minnesota. I was announced first which meant I had become contestant #1. The Top Ten contestants each did the swimsuit, talent, and evening gown portions then the Top Five contestants were announced. I was the last name called for top five. I was awarded second runner up for the second time. Congratulations to Natalie Davis who was crowned Miss Minnesota 2011.
It was very difficult to go back to my busy life after such an amazing week with such an amazing group of women! Unfortunately Monday morning was a jump right back into reality, but I am very happy I get to spend my summer doing something that I love; teaching. Thank you to all of my family and friends for your constant support and love.
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