July 24th marked the final day of my reign as Mrs. Illinois America 2009. The 29th annual Mrs. Illinois America Pageant and the Miss Illinois Teen All America Pageant was held at the Bolingbrook Performing Arts Theater, located in the local high school. We were fortunate to have the space for one of three of Joe's personally constructed stages, originally created for Hemmen's so many years ago. It fit beautifully, and remains a staple of the production.
We were also fortunate to make it in one piece with the torrential downpours and dangerous weather the evening before and morning of the pageant! Despite dodging closed streets, we all managed to begin a full day with 8 lovely and accomplished Mrs. and Teens, and a brand new Junior Miss Illinois, Miss Taylor, whom I spent much of the day with and even had the pleasure of doing hair and make up for her throughout the event. She is a darling, as was every one of our ladies.
The distinguished, and ever-on-top-of-things, Mrs. Tracey Tarantino, was there to put the production together despite her own house flooding! She is one of the best parts of Mrs. Illinois, both during the pageant as well as working with her during the year of being Mrs. Illinois.
By the end of the night, we had a new Teen and a new Mrs. to represent Illinois in the national pageants to come. Strength and courage, ladies...my thoughts and prayers are with you as you prepare in such short time. Make the most of this time, and make it yours.
I have a couple posts for pictures courtesy of Dawn Heacock, a veteran of the pageant as well as one of my event coordinators, and Dr. Chiann Gibson, DDS, one of the terrific sponsors in the past for Mrs. Illinois. I will also post the professional photos from the incomparable, Mr. Don Seidman (who makes EVERYONE look and feel fabulous) when they come in.
Special thanks to Michele, Dawn and Misty for making such a big trip up, to all the ladies who sparkle from the inside out...you shine ever bright, and brighter still, and I am so proud of you...thank you to everyone for the calls, well-wishes and prayers! Thank you, Eric, for the beautiful roses, and catching the crown when it fell off my head hugging you during our farewell walk... Priceless!!! ;)
These entries covering the 2010 Pageant will be final posts, and will close the blog for Mrs. Illinois America 2009. I hope you'll stay in touch with me through our family blog, as we are excited for a brand new tomorrow and a full life ahead. Blessings to you all and thank you for being here with me.
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