As an expert in the world of pageants, I have had the privilege of witnessing some of the most prestigious and well-respected competitions in the country. And while Southwest Washington may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about pageants, this region is home to a thriving pageant scene that offers something for everyone.
The Miss Washington Pageant
One of the most notable pageants in Southwest Washington is the Miss Washington Pageant, which has been a staple in the region since 1921. This pageant serves as the official state preliminary for the Miss America Pageant and has produced several Miss America winners, including Phyllis George and Heather Whitestone. The competition is open to young women between the ages of 17 and 25 who are residents of Washington state. Contestants showcase their talents, participate in interviews, and grace the stage in elegant evening wear.The winner of the Miss Washington Pageant goes on to represent the state at the national level.
The Miss Washington's Outstanding Teen Pageant
Similar to its counterpart, the Miss Washington's Outstanding Teen Pageant is also a preliminary for a national competition - the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Pageant. This pageant is open to young women between the ages of 13 and 17 who reside in Washington state. Contestants compete in categories such as talent, interview, and evening wear. The winner of this pageant goes on to represent Washington at the national competition.The Miss Clark County Scholarship Program
For over 70 years, the Miss Clark County Scholarship Program has been a beloved local pageant in Southwest Washington.This competition is open to young women between the ages of 17 and 24 who are residents of Clark County, Washington. The winner of this pageant has the opportunity to compete at the Miss Washington Pageant. Additionally, the Miss Clark County Scholarship Program also offers a Teen competition for girls between the ages of 13 and 17.
The Miss Thurston County Scholarship Program
Another long-standing local pageant in Southwest Washington is the Miss Thurston County Scholarship Program, which has been running since 1950. This pageant is open to young women between the ages of 17 and 24 who reside in Thurston County, Washington.The winner of this pageant also goes on to compete at the Miss Washington Pageant. Similar to other local pageants, the Miss Thurston County Scholarship Program also offers a Teen competition for girls between the ages of 13 and 17.
The Miss Lewis County Scholarship Program
Although relatively new, having started in 2015, the Miss Lewis County Scholarship Program has quickly become a beloved pageant in Southwest Washington. This competition is open to young women between the ages of 17 and 24 who are residents of Lewis County, Washington. The winner of this pageant goes on to compete at the Miss Washington Pageant.Like other local pageants, the Miss Lewis County Scholarship Program also offers a Teen competition for girls between the ages of 13 and 17.
The Miss Grays Harbor Scholarship Program
Since 1950, the Miss Grays Harbor Scholarship Program has been a local pageant that celebrates the beauty and intelligence of young women in Southwest Washington. This competition is open to young women between the ages of 17 and 24 who reside in Grays Harbor County, Washington. The Miss Grays Harbor Scholarship Program also offers a Teen competition for girls between the ages of 13 and 17.The Miss Pacific Northwest Scholarship Program
As a regional pageant, the Miss Pacific Northwest Scholarship Program includes contestants from several counties in Southwest Washington, including Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Pacific, Skamania, and Wahkiakum. This pageant is open to young women between the ages of 17 and 24 who are residents of these counties.The Miss Pacific Northwest Scholarship Program also offers a Teen competition for girls between the ages of 13 and 17.
The Miss Tri-Cities Scholarship Program
Since 1948, the Miss Tri-Cities Scholarship Program has been a beloved local pageant in Southwest Washington. This competition is open to young women between the ages of 17 and 24 who reside in Benton or Franklin County, Washington. The Miss Tri-Cities Scholarship Program also offers a Teen competition for girls between the ages of 13 and 17.The Miss Columbia Basin Scholarship Program
Another local pageant that has been running since 1950 is the Miss Columbia Basin Scholarship Program. This competition is open to young women between the ages of 17 and 24 who reside in Grant or Adams County, Washington.The Miss Columbia Basin Scholarship Program also offers a Teen competition for girls between the ages of 13 and 17.
The Miss Apple Valley Scholarship Program
For over 70 years, the Miss Apple Valley Scholarship Program has been a beloved local pageant in Southwest Washington. This competition is open to young women between the ages of 17 and 24 who reside in Yakima County, Washington. The Miss Apple Valley Scholarship Program also offers a Teen competition for girls between the ages of 13 and 17.The Miss Southwest Washington Scholarship Program
As a regional pageant, the Miss Southwest Washington Scholarship Program includes contestants from several counties in Southwest Washington, including Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, Pacific, Skamania, and Wahkiakum. The Miss Southwest Washington Scholarship Program also offers a Teen competition for girls between the ages of 13 and 17.The Miss Washington USA Pageant
For those interested in competing at the national level, the Miss Washington USA Pageant is a state preliminary for the Miss USA Pageant.This competition is open to young women between the ages of 18 and 28 who reside in Washington state. Contestants showcase their beauty and confidence in categories such as swimsuit, evening gown, and interview. The winner of this pageant goes on to represent Washington at the Miss USA Pageant.
The Miss Washington Teen USA Pageant
Similar to its counterpart, the Miss Washington Teen USA Pageant is a state preliminary for the Miss Teen USA Pageant. This competition is open to young women between the ages of 13 and 17 who reside in Washington state.Contestants compete in categories such as athletic wear, evening gown, and interview. The winner of this pageant also goes on to represent Washington at the national level.