Elegant, senior women compete for crown

By Jeff O'Brien

Friday, Aug. 22, 2008 | midnight

A sellout crowd of more than 500 people will watch 16 of the most elegant and talented women from across Nevada take the stage Aug. 27 for the 23rd annual Ms. Senior Nevada pageant at the Suncoast.

The contest is open to women who have reached the age of 60, otherwise known as “the age of elegance,” said Charlie Christy, executive director and president of Ms. Senior Nevada.

“They don’t look like it, let me tell you,” Christy said. “I have to ask for an I.D.”

Last year’s winner was Karen Beausoleil, a retired lawyer and educator from Mesquite.

A total of 16 women are participating in this year’s pageant. This is the fourth year the contest has been held at the Suncoast.

The pageant is split into four phases — a private interview, a talent portion, an evening gown presentation and the philosophy of life.

The private interview is held the day before the pageant in front of a panel of five judges. Questions are asked on a variety of topics ranging from health care for seniors to Social Security.

“It’s an important stage because whoever wins will represent the state of Nevada at speaking engagements and special events,” Christy said.

Pageant day begins with the talent portion, which could involve singing, dancing, playing a musical instrument or a comedy routine. This is followed by the evening gown presentation and the philosophy of life.

“It’s all about poise and elegance,” Christy said. “How they walk and how they smile. It has nothing to do with how much the gown cost, it’s how well they represent themselves.”

Then, each contestant steps forward and describes — in no more than 35 seconds — their philosophy of life and how they approach each day.

The winner goes on to represent Nevada in the Ms. Senior America pageant Oct. 19 to Oct. 25 at Harrah’s in Atlantic City, N.J.

Jeff O’Brien is a reporter for the Home News. He can be reached at 990-8957 or [email protected].