More Beauty Pageants for Senior Women

April 9, 2002 - The interest in beauty pageants for senior women is increasing, as the senior population booms and the fervor to remain young grows stronger.

With ten years under it's belt the Ms Texas Senior Pageant claims it is recognized as one of "the premier events for women over the age of sixty in the State of Texas."

Hosted by the Ms. Texas Senior Board of Directors, the pageant is scheduled for the Ramada Market Center in Dallas on April the 12th and 13th, 2002.

"The pageant provides a forum to honor and recognize women who have reached 60 years of age, and who exemplify the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all Texas senior women, says Mrs. Nell Coleman, who runs the pageant. "The pageant is a testament to the vitality and strength of women in their "Golden Years."

"The Ms. Texas Senior Pageant is a truly statewide event, dedicated to promoting a positive image of aging and recognizing the achievements and contributions of todays mature women. Contestants must be Texas women, at least 60 years of age, and are judged on inner beauty, personal interviews, talent, philosophy of life and evening wear," she says.

Mrs. Coleman says her event is endorsed by numerous organizations for seniors, the City of Dallas, as well as sponsorship by various businesses throughout the state and nation.

The Ms Texas Senior Pageant occurs once a year and draws participants from all over the state. First competing in city wide competitions, then progressing to the state level and finally culminating in national competition, the women involved exemplify the highest talents and ideals.

The pageant competetion is broken down into four parts:

"The first is done behind the scene and involves an interview of the contestants by the judges. Each interview is five minutes long and the judges look for the contestants community involvement, volunteer work and lifestyle.

"The second part of the test requires the contestant to give her philosophy of life. Her remarks emphasize her concepts and beliefs that have helped her through both the happiness and tribulations in her life.

"Third comes the evening gown competion. It is the philosophy of the pageant that clothes dont make the woman, rather it's the woman who makes the clothes. The judges look for the contestant whose poise and grace display not only her clothes style but also her lifestyle.

"The final part of the pageant is also the most exciting, the talent show! This is where the women really shine. From song, dance to poetry and story telling; the contestants really show their diverse skills.

The winner is awarded two round trip tickets on Southwest Airlines, any where they fly, and a free trip to the American Classic Nationals in September.

Ms. Senior Sweetheart

Ms. Senior Sweetheart is another national pageant. This one is for women 59 or older. It was started in 1978 as a local Lions Club fund raising project that has now become national.

Based in Fall River, Massachusetts, this 8^th national pageant lasts 10 days and ends with the crowning of the sweetheart on Nov. 3, 2002. They have state competitions and the winners are awarded free trips to the nationals.

The 2001 winner was Teresita "Tess" Smith, 61, of Las Vegas, NV.