When you think of a pageant, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Leave your answer in the comments, because I really want to know. Do you think of the very beautiful, talented, "perfect-body-type" competitors? Or do you think of the huge crowns, money, travel opportunities, and other things the chosen competitor receives when she wins the title of Miss "Local", Miss "State" or Miss America. Or is it Miss "Country", and then Miss Universe? It all depends on how you view pageants. I, myself, am a competitor in pageants. Now before you go judging me, hear what I have to say. I am doing it purely for fun. Granted, it is very expensive fun, but then again so is Disney Land/World, Worlds of Fun, Oceans of Fun, and other places. For example, in Kansas City there is a place called the Great Wolf Lodge. A lot of fun and a lot of out-of-pocket expenses. I'd have to save all of my tips for two years to spend a week there. And I make some pretty good tips!
Now pageants can be the same way. Here is a list of how much I spend on one pageant. And this is one of the cheapest systems to compete in:
1. Entry Fee: $550
2. Production Number Outfit: $50
3. Hotel Room: $116 (Not the host hotel)
4. Registration Fee: $20
5. Roses: $25
6. Food: $125 (Bring your own- fast food, no go)
7. Formal Wear Gown: $95 (Average between all of my gowns)
8. Interview Outfit: $20 (Clearance racks are the way to go!)
9. Community Service: $0-15 (Sometimes books are free)
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GRAND TOTAL: $1,016
A lot of money right? But that isn't including Optional Contests:
1. Casual Wear: Entry Fee- $75 per entry
2. Photogenic: Entry Fee- $75 per entry
3. Actress: Entry Fee- $100 per entry
...And on, and on, and on it goes. Thankfully they are not required, otherwise I'd be sunk. If I wanted to get a cheaper formal gown, I could go to thrift stores like the Goodwill or Salvation Army, but I go to a consignment shop (better quality, more variety, more likely to find the right size), or this year I asked my Great Aunt to make it. And it turned out gorgeous!!!!!!!!!
You don't have to spend even $20 to get an interview outfit. I got mine for $10! And if all else fails, a black A-line skirt, and a white blouse will always do the trick. If you know how to make it look professional. Good luck!
Bu what I meant by "pageant pressure is real" is I am preparing for my pageant. And fundraising didn't go so well this year. I am a week away, and I still need about $450. Plus. Because we have to pay for the hotel room. Talk about pressure! The number I put down for the hotel room is how much I was told when I made the reservation. So that will be interesting. It is for 2 adults, for two nights. I am super excited, but also super nervous. What if I don't get enough in time? What if I find someone to help me with the remaining $450, but I fail? What if everyone expects me to win the crown, and I let them down? What if I want to win the crown so badly, I let it corrupt my thought process, and I turn into a catty, mean pageant girl?
These are all "What If" questions, and they are hard to battle. But guess what? I have the ability through Jesus Christ to push it all aside, and say "This is my time to have fun. If I don't win, oh well, because I tried, and had fun. That's what this is all about." You can tackle any type of "What If" question through the power of Jesus Christ. And if you don't believe in Him, then more power to you. Good luck on your journey of fighting whatever comes your way.
For now I'm going to sign off, and go to bed. Enjoy the rest of your week, and I'll see you again before the pageant!
~Love Tabby~
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