Miss America

As the reigning Miss Shreveport, I had the opportunity to go to Miss America and see her crowned firsthand. Talk about an interesting experience. First of all, Miss America was held in Vegas this year, and I had never been to Vegas. I was ready to be super impressed with the city, but unfortunately I wasn't. The architecture was definitely impressive, and the fact that there were millions of people in about 6 square miles was unbelievable, but all in all, I do not know that I want to go back.

Visually Vegas is a sight to behold. Each casino has a different theme; for example, Planet Hollywood takes on a movie/Hollywood feel; the Excalibur is built like a castle and decorated as if in medieval times; and the New York looks like the NYC skyline and even has a Statue of Liberty. These are just three hotels of many. If I were to briefly describe them all, I would be here all night.

The actual pageant itself was impressive. Other than at sporting events, I cannot think of another occasion that I have been to that was nationally televised. During commercials I got to see the "behind the scenes." Girls running around on the stage like someone is chasing them, workers coming out of every drak corner and making some adjustment, and cameras moving around everywhere were some of the things that I saw just to name a few.

Visually I found the stage appealing. There was an array of color and a live dj. Also there were people sitting on the stage. I don't know how I would feel about that if I had been the one performing, but as an audience member, I really thought it was a cool idea.

They have taken the Miss America Pageant from the traditional competition that it once was and have tried to make it into a contemporary reality TV show. I would imagine that they had more viewers this year than last, which all in all is great for the pageant. At this point any publicity is good publicity...although I should probably consider that statement a bit more.

All in all, I WANT to be on that stage next year. The trip was meant to inspire, and because I was literally able to visually see it, I am inspired. I want to be the next Miss Louisiana. June 19 and Monroe, Louisiana, here I come.