Forget everything you thought you knew about women, pageants and competition. The reigning Ms Senior America says her recent pageant experiences have reinforced her belief that women can be supportive of one another even when they have their hearts set on the same goal.

61-year-old Bemidji resident Linda Wagner was crowned Ms. Minnesota Senior last September during the Seniors Expo held at Grand Casino Mille Lacs. Two months later, she became the first woman representing Minnesota to be crowned Ms. Senior America at a gala pageant which took place in Las Vegas. It has been a whirlwind adventure for this elementary school music teacher and church choir director – one that she encourages other women over age 60 to pursue. Wagner will give the audience a peek at her pageant experiences during a special appearance at the 2008 Seniors Spring Show, to be held April 2-3, 2008 at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel.

The Ms. Senior America pageants showcase mature women age 60 and over – the ‘age of elegance’ – as they defy age-related stereotypes. The pageant involves a talent demonstration and evening gown competition, and interviews with the judges. Contestants also describe their philosophy of life for the judges and audience.

Wagner impressed the judges with her beautiful voice and operatic skills. She also demonstrated the beauty she has within with her philosophy of life, which is in part: “Simplicity is the ultimate elegance. By that I mean, to use less and contribute more. To laugh often and take myself less seriously; to challenge my intellect and keep my body strong; to cherish relationships and be grateful to God.”

Still, she admits that after learning about the Pageant in a newspaper article, it was the opportunity to be on stage that first drew her to participate. “I love the opportunity to dress up and wear beautiful gowns, and I certainly enjoy people!”

Wagner soon discovered that the pageant was fertile ground for forging new and lasting friendships. “I found other women who had much in common with me. We all had won in our states to get to Las Vegas and we enjoyed the pageant experience. We all had to learn an opening number, and we had rehearsed a lot in front of each other. So by the time we took the stage for the pageant, it felt more like a performance than a competition. We were very encouraging to each other, and quick to compliment each other on doing a good job once we were back stage.”

She was especially happy when a slightly embarrassing moment went pretty much unnoticed by her new friends as well as the audience and judges. “When I went on stage to sing during the first preliminary, my piano accompanist accidentally turned two pages of sheet music at once. Suddenly we were not in the same place!”

To Wagner, the next few seconds seemed to last forever. However she just kept singing, the pianist kept playing, and soon they were back in sync. “When it was over, I was very relieved to discover that many people didn’t know anything unusual had happened,” she recalls. “It was unnerving but I apparently covered it well.”

The best part of the Ms. Senior America Pageant is that it highlights just how much these women who have reached the ‘age of elegance’ can offer. “When women reach the age of 60, they have a lot of life behind them from which they have gained a lot of wisdom. They are ready to share their positive philosophies with those around them,” says Wagner adding, “Every woman has something she can share. It’s too bad that only one person can be named the winner because everyone has something she can do well. We’re all winners to even get involved because we’ve taken that big step of saying, “Yes I’ll do this.”

As for her reign as Ms. Senior America Wagner says, “I would be proudest if I set an example with my positive attitude, good work ethic, willingness to listen and willingness to help those who need it.”

Those interested in more information about participating in the 2008 Ms. Minnesota Senior pageant should call Bill Rasmussen at 651-489-3405 or Jeanne Rogers at 651-489-9617. The application deadline will be announced shortly.

The Seniors Spring Show features hundreds of products and services for seniors and caregivers, as well as two stages of speakers and entertainment. The hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Admission is $3 with the half price coupon available on the Web site (www.101expos.com), and free to kids 17 and under when accompanied by an adult. To watch a video of last year’s show and for half price tickets (regularly $6) visit www.101expos.com. Or call the expo hotline at 612-798-7256.

The Seniors Spring Show is sponsored by Mystic Lake Casino Hotel.