On August 2nd, I flew to Billings to work with Cami, pick up photo pages at Alphagraphics, and have a have a session with Laurie at Guccione Salon and Spa. I then continue by flying on Big Sky Airlines to Sidney to be able to participate in the Richland County Fair. That night Avice picked me up and was kind enough to let me be a guest at the Hoff Ranch. The next day we returned to Sidney where I helped the Co-Ops with their root beer float give-away. I also gave out autographed pictures and did several interviews. The Richland County fair has beautiful seed pictures done by each community.
I had two pleasant surprises while I was there. Bridget Clawson was working at the fair and I had the chance to visit with her. Bridget was a fellow contestant with me in the Miss Montana Scholarship Program and was selected to be the Miss Congeniality scholarship award winner. Getting to visit with her reminded me just how deserving she is of that award. Bridget truly has a heart of gold and is able to put a smile on anyone’s face. I also saw Gillette Vaira, another fellow contestant, and her parents. We got to visit more while I enjoyed a delicious cheeseburger at the 4-H food booth! Of course there were several radio and TV interviews that took place.
I had a great time in Sidney, especially having gotten the chance to see some amazing friends and also meet Sophie Steinbeisser’s mom and grandmother, and some of her teachers. Sidney loves Sophie.
Friday, Avice and I traveled to Billings to put the final touches on my presentation and to practice. I got in several great runs….one in the country and one in Billings.
Monday
Ride for Hope ... July 28
After my duties at the fair were completed I hurried over to the highway department to participate in my second parade of the week. However, this parade was of a different nature! In this parade I rode on the back of a Harley Davidson!
The Ride for Hope is an annual event to raise money for the Montana Hope Project. Motorcyclists from all over the state raise money to benefit the Hope Project. They then have a rally at a different location every year. This year it happened to be in Lewistown.
After the parde everyone met at the Yogo Inn for the banquet. I gave a short speech on how I would be acting as the spokesperson for the Hope Project throughout this year. I then got to help out with the silent auction, which raised even more funds to grant wishes to Montana children.
Being at the Ride for Hope made me even more excited about the Hope Project. It was so amazing seeing these leather clad volunteers with hearts of gold who jump at the chance to make dreams come true for children.
The Ride for Hope is an annual event to raise money for the Montana Hope Project. Motorcyclists from all over the state raise money to benefit the Hope Project. They then have a rally at a different location every year. This year it happened to be in Lewistown.
After the parde everyone met at the Yogo Inn for the banquet. I gave a short speech on how I would be acting as the spokesperson for the Hope Project throughout this year. I then got to help out with the silent auction, which raised even more funds to grant wishes to Montana children.
Being at the Ride for Hope made me even more excited about the Hope Project. It was so amazing seeing these leather clad volunteers with hearts of gold who jump at the chance to make dreams come true for children.
Fergus County Fair
Since I was a little girl the highlight of the summer has always been the Fergus County Fair. When I was younger I looked forward to the riding the rides with my aunt and cousins and as I grew older I began to lose interest in the rides and instead looked forward to the night show, rodeo, and socializing with friends. This year’s fair was different than any I had ever attended. This year I was Miss Montana!
I started out the fair week by attending the night show. I was first introduced to the comedian act Willams and Ree. They were both very nice and extremely funny. It was fun getting to meet them and then sit and the stands and roll with laughter during their performance. Before intermission I had to head back to meet the next act, but they noticed my exit and pointed me out during the middle of their performance. We had visited about my past jobs, including firefighting, so as I was leaving they yelled, “Hey there’s Miss Montana, she’s headed out to burn out the Californians.” I was rather embarrassed but pleased that they had remembered who I was! I then went out for intermission and was given the chance to meet the Bellamy Brothers.
Thursday was “Lewistown Days” so there was a parade down Main Street. Earlier I had been out at the fairgrounds to watch my cousins receive blue ribbons for their showmanship with their pigs. I then headed back into town to help the Boys and Girls Club decorate their float. We did a summer fun theme with sports equipment and a baby pool on the float. I rode with them for the parade as they threw out water balloons and sprayed squirt guns all down the street. Needless to say, I ended up a little wet by the end of the parade!
Thursday and Friday I signed autographs at the Snowy Mountain Development booth and then helped greet and hand out programs at the rodeo. It was a great chance to visit with people I had not seen in a long time!
Then Saturday morning I had the fun chance to be in the Pie Eating contest to raise money for 4-H! The 4-H leaders had been a little worried if I would actually want to participate, but I was ready to try out my first Pie Eating contest! Unfortunately I did not win, but I must say that I held my own!
After the Pie Eating contest I hurried over to the free stage where I performed my talent. The Dance Syndicate was also performing. The Dance Syndicate is where I grew up dancing so I was excited to see some of their new dances and my instructor, Janet. My little sister is now a member of the Performing Arts Team so I was very excited to get the chance to see her perform. She did an amazing job, I am so impressed with how far her dance skills have come!
It was a busy week at the fair, but also a week full of friends, family, and fun!
I started out the fair week by attending the night show. I was first introduced to the comedian act Willams and Ree. They were both very nice and extremely funny. It was fun getting to meet them and then sit and the stands and roll with laughter during their performance. Before intermission I had to head back to meet the next act, but they noticed my exit and pointed me out during the middle of their performance. We had visited about my past jobs, including firefighting, so as I was leaving they yelled, “Hey there’s Miss Montana, she’s headed out to burn out the Californians.” I was rather embarrassed but pleased that they had remembered who I was! I then went out for intermission and was given the chance to meet the Bellamy Brothers.
Thursday was “Lewistown Days” so there was a parade down Main Street. Earlier I had been out at the fairgrounds to watch my cousins receive blue ribbons for their showmanship with their pigs. I then headed back into town to help the Boys and Girls Club decorate their float. We did a summer fun theme with sports equipment and a baby pool on the float. I rode with them for the parade as they threw out water balloons and sprayed squirt guns all down the street. Needless to say, I ended up a little wet by the end of the parade!
Thursday and Friday I signed autographs at the Snowy Mountain Development booth and then helped greet and hand out programs at the rodeo. It was a great chance to visit with people I had not seen in a long time!
Then Saturday morning I had the fun chance to be in the Pie Eating contest to raise money for 4-H! The 4-H leaders had been a little worried if I would actually want to participate, but I was ready to try out my first Pie Eating contest! Unfortunately I did not win, but I must say that I held my own!
After the Pie Eating contest I hurried over to the free stage where I performed my talent. The Dance Syndicate was also performing. The Dance Syndicate is where I grew up dancing so I was excited to see some of their new dances and my instructor, Janet. My little sister is now a member of the Performing Arts Team so I was very excited to get the chance to see her perform. She did an amazing job, I am so impressed with how far her dance skills have come!
It was a busy week at the fair, but also a week full of friends, family, and fun!
Sunday
Big Sky State Games: Running in the Heat.
It was billed as "Come run with Miss Montana" and one of the competitive events to kick off the annual Big Sky State Games on Friday, July 20.
I raced in the Big Sky Games 5K in 100 degree weather alongside many other athletes. It was actually a lot of fun! People in the neighborhoods along the race route had put their sprinklers pointed toward the road and were out cheering on the many runners. It was great to see them getting involved and providing some much needed cool water for the runners!
I finished with a time of 21.49, putting me at second for my 19-24 age group. I was very surprised with my finish and proud that my many training runs had paid off.
After the race I quickly put on my crown and helped hand out awards. I confess that I did not look my best after having run in the heat, but it was fun getting to participate in an event and in the ceremonies.
It was amazing to see all of the participation in the Big Sky State Games. Montana has some truly amazing athletes! It was also great to see people leading healthy lifestyles and being concerned about personal fitness.
I had a wonderful time at the games, despite the heat!
I raced in the Big Sky Games 5K in 100 degree weather alongside many other athletes. It was actually a lot of fun! People in the neighborhoods along the race route had put their sprinklers pointed toward the road and were out cheering on the many runners. It was great to see them getting involved and providing some much needed cool water for the runners!
I finished with a time of 21.49, putting me at second for my 19-24 age group. I was very surprised with my finish and proud that my many training runs had paid off.
After the race I quickly put on my crown and helped hand out awards. I confess that I did not look my best after having run in the heat, but it was fun getting to participate in an event and in the ceremonies.
It was amazing to see all of the participation in the Big Sky State Games. Montana has some truly amazing athletes! It was also great to see people leading healthy lifestyles and being concerned about personal fitness.
I had a wonderful time at the games, despite the heat!
Grand Street Theatre Camp & Shodair Hospital
July 18: Theatre Camp and Shodair Hospital --- both in Helena, our state capital.
I am beginning to see how much variety my job will have this year! I went from speaking in front of adult insurance agents to 200 youth theatre camp participants!
At the Grandstreet Theater’s camp in Helena, I gave a quick speech to all of the participants and then taught a workshop to the third graders. All of the kids had such enthusiasm! It was great to see kids pursuing their dreams as they work to become better actors and actresses.
Josie Adams helped me during my workshop. Josie was one of the contestants at Miss Montana who had made Top Ten. We have become friends because of meeting at the competition, so it was great to get to hang out with her again. They are just about to begin their production of the musical “Grease”, in which Josie has the lead role of Sandy. I am so proud of her and hope to see her amazing performance sometime.
After I was done at the Grandstreet I stopped at Shodair Medical Center to visit with Ellen Livers. She was kind enough to give me a tour of the facility and tell me a little bit more about Children’s Miracle Network. I am so excited to become more involved with CMN and to help raise funds for Shodair.
I am beginning to see how much variety my job will have this year! I went from speaking in front of adult insurance agents to 200 youth theatre camp participants!
At the Grandstreet Theater’s camp in Helena, I gave a quick speech to all of the participants and then taught a workshop to the third graders. All of the kids had such enthusiasm! It was great to see kids pursuing their dreams as they work to become better actors and actresses.
Josie Adams helped me during my workshop. Josie was one of the contestants at Miss Montana who had made Top Ten. We have become friends because of meeting at the competition, so it was great to get to hang out with her again. They are just about to begin their production of the musical “Grease”, in which Josie has the lead role of Sandy. I am so proud of her and hope to see her amazing performance sometime.
After I was done at the Grandstreet I stopped at Shodair Medical Center to visit with Ellen Livers. She was kind enough to give me a tour of the facility and tell me a little bit more about Children’s Miracle Network. I am so excited to become more involved with CMN and to help raise funds for Shodair.
Independent Insurance Agents of MT Convention
My first big speaking engagement was on July 15th where I was asked to be a guest speaker at the Montana Independent Insurance Agents Convention held at the Yogo Inn.
I was asked to speak for half an hour during their awards luncheon. It was very intimidating thinking of speaking for that long in front of these professionals. My nerves were immediately calmed when I was greeted with such kindness and enthusiasm. My speech went very well thanks to them making me feel right at home!
I feel much better now that I have a long speech under my belt. Speaking in front of them made it finally seem a little bit more real that this is how my year is going to go!
I was asked to speak for half an hour during their awards luncheon. It was very intimidating thinking of speaking for that long in front of these professionals. My nerves were immediately calmed when I was greeted with such kindness and enthusiasm. My speech went very well thanks to them making me feel right at home!
I feel much better now that I have a long speech under my belt. Speaking in front of them made it finally seem a little bit more real that this is how my year is going to go!
Mr. Relay for Life...July 14
On July 14th I was the co-emcee for the Mr. Relay for Life competition held at the Lewistown fairgrounds. There were six contestants who competed in evening gown, swimsuit, and talent. They were also judged by how much funds they raised for Relay for Life. There were some very unique ensembles and some hardly recognizable male contestants! It was very entertaining for everyone gathered for the event! Not only was it a good show, but they also raised over three thousand dollars! It was great seeing so many people pitch in and take part in such an amazing cause. Being at Relay for Life was especially important to me because my Grandpa Loyal lost his battle with cancer a year and a half ago. I think Relay for Life is such an amazing organization and I was honored with the chance to participate in an event that helps fight cancer.
Montana 4-H State Congress...MSU-Bozeman
On Wednesday morning Avice and I drove to Bozeman. Avice was a judge for the dress revue at 4H congress, so while she was judging I was given the chance to visit with some of the county competitors. I was so impressed with their sewing skills! The girls had created such amazing outfits, I was not jealous of Avice for having to judge these girls!
On Wednesday evening I was given the chance to speak with the 600 4H participants and volunteer leaders about my platform of integrity. They were having their talent show so I was also able to perform my talent. It was also projected on several large screens. At Miss America, the talents are projected the same way.
Thursday morning I helped the dress revue girls with their modeling. The girls did not need much help because they already possessed an abundant amount of poise and grace. It was great having the chance to get to know these girls better. They are truly talented young ladies who I hope to see someday competing for Miss Montana!
That afternoon I rode back home to Lewistown with my dad. He knows the roads of Montana very well. He treated me to some back roads for getting back to Lewistown. It was fun to get to see different parts of Montana. I am constantly amazed at how beautiful this state is!
On Wednesday evening I was given the chance to speak with the 600 4H participants and volunteer leaders about my platform of integrity. They were having their talent show so I was also able to perform my talent. It was also projected on several large screens. At Miss America, the talents are projected the same way.
Thursday morning I helped the dress revue girls with their modeling. The girls did not need much help because they already possessed an abundant amount of poise and grace. It was great having the chance to get to know these girls better. They are truly talented young ladies who I hope to see someday competing for Miss Montana!
That afternoon I rode back home to Lewistown with my dad. He knows the roads of Montana very well. He treated me to some back roads for getting back to Lewistown. It was fun to get to see different parts of Montana. I am constantly amazed at how beautiful this state is!
Meeting the lovely Miss Montana 1947
After visiting with Laurie at Guccione Salon, Big Sky Airlines, and Big Sky State Games in Billings, I met Miss Montana 1947, Carol Chaffen Anderson at her lovely residence.
She is such an amazing lady and was kind enough to show me some of her pictures and memorabilia and tell of her adventures in preparing and traveling to Miss America. She is the first contestant to win a Miss America national talent scholarship which she used to complete her studies at the University of Montana.
It’s amazing to see the history of the Miss America Organization. It’s also amazing to think that maybe someday I will be in her position showing my memorabilia to a future Miss Montana.
Clark Marten
After the Miss Washington competition I spent several days in Billings working on paperwork with my director Avice.
I had my official photos taken by Clark Marten of Columbus, Montana. He is an extremely gifted photographer who I am very lucky to have do my portraits. He is also very kind and made the photo shoot very fun!
His wife even made chocolate chip cookies for us! They were delicious!
I had my official photos taken by Clark Marten of Columbus, Montana. He is an extremely gifted photographer who I am very lucky to have do my portraits. He is also very kind and made the photo shoot very fun!
His wife even made chocolate chip cookies for us! They were delicious!
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