Miss New York State Fair 2014

This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of hosting the Miss New York State Fair 2014 pageant! This pageant was the result of the creativity and hard work for the wonderful Miss Syracuse Directors, Kristy Lee and Linda! Their Salt City Royalty program promotes confidence in young women, and is such a wonderful alternative to glitz pageants.

Emceeing alongside our stage hostess Cady Ruth, Miss New York's Outstanding Teen!

Across the 6 age groups, nearly 40 young women competed for the chance to represent the Great New York State Fair! Side note--this was my first time at the New York State Fair. I was amazed at just how ENORMOUS the fair was! When we ventured out to have lunch, I saw everything from a butter statue to the poultry competition building. I also tried my first deep fried Oreo--delicious!

Back to show -- the younger age groups (Petite Princess and Princess) simply competed onstage in their choice of formal wear. The older age groups (Pre-Teen, Teen, Miss, and Ms.) competed in their choice of formal wear and answered a simple on-stage question: Why do you want to represent the New York State fair? Because this was a natural pageant, the girl's personalities really stood out on stage, and their diverse choice of formal wear allowed them to express themselves. 

Congratulations to the 2014-2015 Fair queens!

PETITE PRINCESS: Aeowyn Holmes of Baldwinsville

PRINCESS: Zoyee Newton of Weedsport

PRE TEEN: Maria DeCaro of Syracuse

TEEN: Leah Xiao of Rochester

MISS: Emma Silen of Ithaca

MS: Jessica Carbone of Buffalo & Syracuse

After a quick lunch break, it was time to return to the theater for the "There's No Place Like Home" talent showcase. So many of my Miss New York sisters and pageant family where there, and it was wonderful to spend time catching up with them!

Anneliese, Miss Flower City 2014, and I showing our NY state pride!

Madison, Miss Upstate New York 2014, Anneliese, and I after performing at the talent showcase.

With Colleen, the new Miss Central New York's Outstanding Teen! This was her first official appearance, and she rocked her talent performance.

The gang's all here! The best part of my pageant journey this year, hands down, are the friendships I have gained and the amazing sisterhood that I am now a part of.

Overall, it was an incredible weekend! I can't thank Kristy Lee and Linda enough for welcoming me to their pageant family earlier this winter, and inviting me to be a part of this State Fair extravaganza! I may just have to compete for the title of Ms. New York State Fair next year. After all, I already know how I'd answer my on-stage question...Why do you want to represent the New York State Fair? Because I'd get to eat ALL OF THE FRIED OREOS my little heart desires!