Today's senior American women are energetic and productive, with talent, inner beauty and a true love of life. The Ms. Minnesota Senior America Pageant, celebrating women ages 60 and above, is looking for contestants to participate in this fun and memorable event. This year's Pageant will be held at the Seniors Expo®, September 27-28 at International Market Square in Minneapolis. The Seniors Expo® is produced by Mid-America Events & Expos, Inc.

"Women of this age group, which we call the `Age of Elegance,' have emerged from most family and professional responsibilities, and share a wonderful outlook and attitude about life," said the pageant's Executive State Director Bill Rasmussen.

The pageant involves a talent demonstration and evening gown competition, as well as interviews with the judges. Talents often range from singing, dancing or playing a musical instrument to reciting a favorite poem. Contestants will also describe their philosophy of life for the Seniors Expo® audience.

"We believe that true beauty is a matter of insight, not eyesight," commented Rasmussen. "and their philosophies are so filled with insight that they inspire others to develop richer, fuller lives."

The pageant winner will receive a trophy, tiara, flowers and a banner declaring her Ms. Minnesota Senior 2002, and will represent Minnesota in the national Senior America Pageant to be held in Biloxi, Mississippi, November 2002. A reception immediately following the Ms. Minnesota Senior pageant will give audience members a chance to meet the newly crowned queen, as well as past winners.

Those interested in entering this year's Ms. Minnesota Senior America 2002 competition may call Rasmussen at 651-489-3405, or Jeanne Rogers, Assistant State Director at 651-489-9617. The deadline for entries is September 1, 2002.

In addition to the pageant, the Seniors Expo® features more than 200 unique exhibitors, plus two stages of speakers and entertainment. The Expo will be held September 27-28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at International Market Square. 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. Further information is available by calling the Expo hotline at 612-798-7256.

Mid-America Events & Expos Inc. also produces the Body Mind Life Expo®, the Family Fun Festival®, and the new baby boomer Expo® premiering November 8-9 at International Market Square.

Media note: For further information about the Seniors Expo, or to set up an interview with Bill Rasmussen, or one of this year's Ms. Minnesota Senior America Pageant contestants, contact Media Relations at (507) 665-3067.

Biography - Bill Rasmussen

Bill Rasmussen has been Executive State Director of the Ms. Minnesota Senior America Pageant since 2001. He has served on the Pageant's Board of Directors since 1998. He performs as a singer during the Pageant and sings the Pageant Song when the Queen is selected.