JUNE 9, 2006
PRELIMINARY PAGEANT COMPETITION BEGINS

I checked into the hotel on Thursday night with my good friend & "helper" Susan Jackson (we each were allowed one backstage "helper"). Interviews began at 1:30, and I was contestant #2. Interview was a panel style interview for 5 minutes. After interviews, I had my evening gown & swimsuit photos taken, and then had a few hours to relax while everyone finished their interviews. We changed back into our swimsuits for preliminary swimsuit competition, which I felt pretty good about. This year was the first year that two-pieces were allowed, which is what I opted for. Sue and I went out for a nice dinner at Palomino (my hubby was home with our little one). We went to sleep early...a big day was ahead!

PHOTOS:
1) My good friend & "backstage helper" Sue Jackson (Mrs. WI America 1996) just before my interview.
2) Lori Miller (Mrs. Rochester) waiting to have our "official" gown portraits taken.