The First Preliminary

I will let the photo’s speak for themselves, as there isn’t much more to be said than what they can tell you. Suffice it to say, Megan was fantastic. Poised, in command with style, grace, delivery. Like I said of Vegas; diamonds don’t have the sparkle that Megan brought to that stage.

As I mentioned in my previous entry, Megan just came through a bout of bronchitis, but you would never know it. She performed exceptionally well, and all of us here are incredibly proud of her.

Tonight's Preliminary Winners were Miss South Carolina, Erika Grace Powell, for her performance of “Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Borcelli, and Miss Utah, Julia Marie Bachison for the Lifestyle and Fitness category in her two-piece gray and white Speedo swimsuit with green piping. They did a fantastic job, and throughly earned their placement this evening. Give them a hand.

Now, about the photos of Megan (what you’ve all been waiting for). Be carefull, these photographs are full-size, and untouched. That means they are huge and will kill a 56k. There is also a photo of the Miss America stage, and a photo of Valerie Clemens from this afternoon's NAMASP meeting (this one will be going up shortly, check back in a few hours).

The Aladdin Theater is elegant with crystal chandeliers and white chiffon backdrop. There is no stage ramp as in Atlantic City but it doesn't seem to matter. The judge's panel is seated right "in" the floor! Total privacy and full stage view. With no ramp down the middle of the audience, it allows for theater seating throughout. Most eveyone is seated by state, which means "grouped together". The "Maine Group" is seated about middle floor with full view of the stage. The photo above is pretty much the view from our seats. Another great feature about the theater is that it is only about 15 minutes from our Room at the Aladdin and about 10 minutes from the Contestant Visitation Hall after the Pageant.