Miss Delaware Week: Day Two

Today was another jam packed day.  The contestants started with the first buffet meal of the week at the Dover Downs Festival Buffet.  After filling their bellies with everything from cereal to shrimp, it was time to go to the ballroom for production rehearsal.  They spent a few hours with Kenney (Producer/Director) learning the introductions, swimsuit and evening gown portions of the competition.

There was little time to spare because the contestants were then shuttled to a quick lunch at Texas Roadhouse in Camden and then to Legislative Hall in Dover.  Sometimes being from such a small state is really awesome and this is one of those times. The contestants were presented to both the House and Senate and given a brief opportunity to introduce themselves.  I would guess that no other stage pageant gets this opportunity.  Maria Cahill, Miss Delaware 2011, then presented her portrait to be proudly displayed at Legislative Hall for the rest of the week.  (Side note: Maria's portrait is GORGEOUS!!!  I can't wait for everyone to see it.)  We were very pleased that even our Governor was able to spend the time with the contestants.  The contestants reported that he was super friendly and that they enjoyed chit chatting about several things including how he met his wife.

Following the Legislative Hall Visit, several things happened.  First, three lucky ladies, Stephanie Bailey, Marcie Smith, and Chelsea Betts who had previously been selected as finalists had to go into their private interview.  These interviews focus on their platform work.  I have no idea who the big winner is but rumor has it that all three ladies did a wonderful job and made it a very difficult decision for the judges.  Second, Morgan Burris, Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen, arrived.  She will a featured performer in this year's production.  As someone who has had the privilege to hear her sing...you are in for a HUGE treat!  She is amazing and just as sweet as can be.  I can't wait to spend more time with her over the next few days. 

Finally, it was time for Little Sister Rehearsal...

Little Sister rehearsal is always a highlight of the week.  It's a wonderful opportunity for the contestants to spend some time doing what the new Miss Delaware will spend a LOT of time doing...mentoring young children.  I'm not sure whether the contestants or little sisters had a better time?!  We ate pizza, rehearsed for production, worked the runway, had a photo shoot and just had a blast.  I can't wait for you to see the Little Sister Production number...just too cute.   I could not have been prouder of our contestants!  I wish everyone could have seen how amazing they were with the Little Sisters!  A special thank you to Maria Cahill-Miss DE, Morgan Burris-Miss Delaware's Outstanding Teen 2012 and Tori Brown-O'Brien-Miss Delaware's Outstanding teen 2011 for all of their help tonight.

This seems like it was a jam packed day right?  Well...it still wasn't over!  Following the little sister rehearsal the contestants had to tackle production rehearsal with me where they learned the finale and worked on both the opening and production numbers. 

Thanks to the hard work of the contestants, we actually finished up pretty early (9:30) so there was still some time for a little friendly competition.  Tonight we had the annual shoe scavenger hunt.  Board Members hide the contestants shoes all over the ballroom and then the contestants have to race around and find their shoes.  The first team to find all their shoes wins.  Once again, I have no idea who won but can tell you that between last night and tonight both Mu and Delta have one win.

Congratulations to Renee Bull who is Tuesday's Miss Spirit!  If you spend just a few minutes with Renee you will know why she was selected.  She is full of energy, funny and very positive.  Well done Renee...well deserved!

Shew!  The girls were finally able to head to bed at around 10:30.  Talent Rehearsal tomorrow morning...can't wait!!!