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 once again be held at the Seniors Expo™, September 29-30 at Mystic Lake Hotel & Casino in Prior Lake. The Seniors Expo™ is produced by Mid-America Events and Expos, Inc.(www.101expos.com).

"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.

This year's 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 receives a trophy, tiara, flowers and a banner declaring her Ms. Minnesota Senior 2003. The new queen also receives for herself and her companion; cost for hotel, some meals, and the Cameo Ball while representing Minnesota at the National Senior America Pageant, to be held at the Golden Phoenix Hotel and Casino in Reno, Nevada, November 3-9, 2003. A reception immediately following the pageant will give audience members a chance to meet the newly crowned queen, as well as past winners.

This year, pageant participants also will be eligible for the Louise J. Konze prize, which awards a cash prize to a non-profit charitable organization for which the participant volunteers. The prize program is administered by Senior America, Inc. through the Ms. Senior America Pageant system. All prizes will be awarded at the finals in Nevada.

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 Monday, September 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday, September 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mystic Lake Hotel & Casino. 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.

This year's Seniors Expo™ sponsors include Mystic Lake Hotel & Casino, Sun Country Airlines, Medica, Ebenezer, Good Age and KLBB radio. Mid-America Events and Expos, Inc. also produces the Body Mind Life Expo™, the new baby boomer Expo™and the Women's Home & Interior Design Expo™.

Contestants: Interested in entering this year's Ms. Minnesota Senior America 2002 competition? Call Bill Rasmussen at 651-489-3405, or Jeanne Rogers, Assistant State Director at 651-489-9617. The deadline for entries is August 15, 2003

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