Desert Beauties

Pageants are a revered institution in this country, whether they’re labeled as beauty contests or “scholarship opportunities.” Contestants spend years perfecting their talents, maintaining their swimsuit competition bodies and learning the fine art of applying false eyelashes -- all in the hope of having a sparkly crown placed atop their...

By Courtney McCune

June 16, 2011

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Pageants are a revered institution in this country, whether they’re labeled as beauty contests or “scholarship opportunities.” Contestants spend years perfecting their talents, maintaining their swimsuit competition bodies and learning the fine art of applying false eyelashes -- all in the hope of having a sparkly crown placed atop their perfectly coiffed heads.

This year, sixteen perfectly poised young ladies from around Arizona will compete for the state’s most coveted title at the Miss Arizona 2011 State Pageant. After two nights of preliminary competition, tears will flow and mascara will run when the queen is crowned during the finals on Saturday, June 18.

Along with receiving a scholarship, the winner will spend the year appearing at community events and promoting her platform issue, and will have the opportunity to compete for the national title at the next Miss America Pageant.

June 16-18, 7:30 p.m., 2011

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