For the first time, the Arkansas Senior America Pageant, presented by Designs Group Consulting, will be held on Saturday, June 29, at the Coronado Center in Hot Springs Village, according to a news release from the pageant.
Local entertainer Ken Goodman will host the pageant, which is open to all Arkansas women older than 60 years old who are citizens of the United States and have lived in Arkansas at least six months.
The Arkansas pageant has been produced since 1988.
"Forty-seven years ago, Dr. Al Mott of New Jersey had a vision to change the perception of older Americans who were thought of as being fragile, nonproductive and a burden upon society," the release said.
"It was his vision to promote, instead, the positive aspects of aging. Hence the formation of the Ms. Senior America Pageant. Since 1981, Senior America is the world's first and foremost pageant to emphasize and give honor to women who have reached the 'Age of Elegance.' The Senior America philosophy is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America, and our most valuable treasure, it is upon their knowledge, experience and resources that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society," the release said.
As the preliminary to Senior America, state pageant showcases and pays tribute to the state's senior women who make valuable contributions to our communities, according to Patricia Genovese, pageant administrator.
"This is a search for the gracious lady who best exemplifies wisdom, dignity, and inner beauty of all senior Americans. She is that person who feels empowered to pursue her passions, who converts challenges into opportunities and inspires others to take charge of their lives; all of these leading to active and fulfilling lifestyles," she said.
From April to August, the sanctioned states will hold their annual pageants and select the lady who will travel to Atlantic City to compete in the Senior America National Pageant.
Contestants are judged in the following four categories: talent, which includes singing, dancing, telling a story, displaying art, needlecraft, dress design or photography, playing an instrument, giving a dramatic reading, humor, reciting poetry, or any other talent to share in two minutes and 45 seconds; a private interview with a panel of independent and qualified judges; evening gown, to show poise and beauty; and philosophy of life, where contestants tell principles of life in 35 seconds.
Visit http://www.arkansassenioramericapageant.com or http://www.senioramerica.org for more information. To become a contestant, a sponsor or for ticket information, call Genovese at 501-622-3131 or 862-251-0172, or email: [email protected].
Entertainment on 03/04/2019