There are all kinds of pageants but the Ms. Minnesota Senior Pageant is truly special because it has a greater purpose. It enables women age 60 and over to experience the second chapter of their lives as an exciting gift: an opportunity to feel valued and to feel the warm support and encouragement of their peers as they pursue long-held dreams.

First held in 1999, the Ms. Minnesota Senior Pageant has become one of the area's biggest and best-attended annual seniors events. The newly-crowned queen has the honor of representing Minnesota at the national Ms. Senior America Pageant. The state and national pageants are glitzy and glamorous – and extremely meaningful for everyone involved as these women prove by example that even though they are getting older, they still have plenty to contribute. It's a legacy that makes each of them intensely proud.

This year's pageant will take place on September 16th in conjunction with the annual Seniors Expo™ (www.101expos.com) at Treasure Island Resort & Casino. After a year at the helm the pageant's new state director, Mid-America Events & Expos, is promising that the pageant, with its amazingly talented contestants, will continue to inspire and motivate Minnesota's seniors.

"We are honored to be directing this important event," says Robin Kocina, President, Mid-America Events & Expos. "Our goal is to preserve the glorious traditions on which it was founded, and to use our expertise to bring it to new heights so that it may positively impact the lives of even more of our seniors."

A legacy of making senior women feel valued
Until 1999, Minnesota had appointed a queen to represent our state in the national Ms. Senior America Pageant. It was 1998 Ms. Minnesota Senior Jeanne Rogers who was the driving force behind the state pageant's creation, and who later became the assistant director.

Today four of the pageant's original organizers serve on its advisory board. In addition to Rogers they are: Bill Rasmussen, the state director from 2001 to 2008 who is familiar to audiences and contestants because this tuxedo-clad, Sinatra-singing entertainer also serves as the emcee; Stella Lundquist who was a judge for the first Ms. Minnesota Senior Pageant, and then became the director of judges; and Mary Kopet, the pageant's secretary/treasurer since its inception, and also the stage manager and pianist.

The advisory board members agree that the Ms. Minnesota Senior Pageant's allure is its focus on the contestants' inner elegance and drive, and its desire to make senior women feel important. "The pageant appreciates the women's qualities and character," says Rasmussen. "It's also a chance for them to fulfill a dream of performing or competing on stage. In many ways, they feel like role models for other senior women: yes you can still try something new."

"The pageant is joyful," Lundquist confirms. "It's a way by which senior citizens have an opportunity to do something they've wanted to do their entire lives. They have the strong motivation and they finally have the time." She loves watching women blossom over the years. "Many decide to take lessons in whatever their expertise is." Some try for the crown more than once. "I can see their talents improving each time. They are obviously enjoying themselves. To see them become so excited and thrilled by what they are doing makes me feel the same way."

Rasmussen believes the pageant also has a positive and powerful effect on the audience. "I've watched the women in the audience literally begin to sparkle as the pageant progresses. Later, they will tell the contestants how inspired they felt."

Rogers concurs: "The audience is often amazed at the talent people over age 60 can have, and people love seeing the beautiful gowns and costumes."

"It's all about people being their best regardless of their age," Kopet comments. "The pageant is ideal if someone is looking for an opportunity to be their best."

"Seniors are the fastest growing demographic, and play a valuable role in our communities and our society," concludes Kocina. "The Ms. Minnesota Senior America Pageant pays homage to their contributions in a way that I hope conveys to every senior – on the stage and in the audience – that they are appreciated."

To learn more about the Ms. Minnesota Senior Pageant, visit www.msminnesotasenior.com. Pageant admission is free to anyone attending the 9th annual Seniors Expo™, taking place September 16-17 at Treasure Island Resort & Casino.

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