Pageant FAQ
What are the requirements for entering the pageant?
- Entrant MUST be married and living with her husband
- Entrant MUST be at least 21 years of age
- Entrant MUST be a United States Citizen
- Entrant should live in; work in; own property in; or, be from Pennsylvania
- Entrant understands the term Entrant is defined as a naturally born female meeting all the eligibility criteria, rules and
regulations outlined in this entry form/contract
What happens after I submit my invitation to apply and my photo?
Once your form and snapshot are submitted, we will submit your information to a review committee. They will determine if they feel you would make a good candidate for the title. If you are accepted to participate in the pageant, you will receive a notice either via U.S. Mail or email.
What you are looking for in your winner?
We are looking for an outstanding person that will represent Pennsylvania in appearances around the state, as well as at the national MRS. UNITED STATES® Pageant in Las Vegas.
How do I get to the pageant site and what are my responsibilities once I am there?
What are the expenses incurred by my supporters and me once we arrive?
You are responsible for your own transportation to and from the state pageant location. You and your supporters are responsible for your own rooms and meals.
All shows will have an admission by ticket only. You as a contestant do not need a ticket - everyone else must have a ticket. You may purchase tickets at the pageant itself prior to the shows. There is no limit on the number of tickets you may purchase.
You will receive an official program book along with other gifts because of your participation. Your supporters may purchase these iItems along with other items at the official Pageant Headquarters that may be set up at the hotel.
The pageant is broken down into 3 phases of competition: Personal interview, Swimsuit, and Evening Gown. Each contestant is responsible for her wardrobe needs including an evening gown, one or two-piece swimsuit and interview outfit and all accessories.
IIs there an entry fee and if so how much is it?
There is a sponsorship fee of $595.00, which covers your participation fee, the marketing and production of the event, as well as a year round staff to prepare the winner for her further competitions and reign. If accepted, you will receive paperwork to help secure sponsorships to cover this fee.
Who are the judges and where do they come from?
We are hard at work, searching the country for outstanding individuals to serve in these positions. Our judges are always from varied and exciting backgrounds and include some of pageantry's most qualified individuals. We do not ask, or allow, judges to repeat these duties any two consecutive years.
Can anyone assist me while I am competing in the pageant?
Only contestants and staff are permitted in the dressing room or backstage during the pageant weekend. There will be pageant personnel in the dressing rooms to assist you with some of your preparation for the show. You should do most of your show preparation in your hotel room, prior to your arrival at the dressing room before show time.
What are the judging criteria and clothing requirements for the pageant?
IInterview- You will appear before the judges "panel style ". The procedure will have you standing at a podium in front of 2 panels of judges for 2 minutes each. The judges will use this opportunity to consider your personality and overall presence. This is your chance to impress each judge with your opinions, ability to communicate, and overall sense of self. They will not be looking for rehearsed answers. They will have your Final Biography Form to use as a reference, but questions may be asked on any topic.
The most important thing to remember about the Personality Interview Competition is that it is ALL about your PERSONALITY! So when it comes to deciding what you will wear for this competition, allow your personality to influence your decision.
Swimsuit- The judges will be basing their decisions on over all physical fitness and the poise with which you carry yourself during this competition. Physical measurements are not considered in the judging. Choose a one or two-piece suit in any color. The style must be in good taste; therefore, NO thongs. Wearing pantyhose is not allowed, but you may wear leg makeup. No baby oil. As for the shoes for this competition, the trends include a strappy sandal that matches your swimsuit, a clear shoe, or flesh-toned shoes. Whatever you choose, it should have at least a 2" heel. Open or closed toe is fine. We do recommend you choose a quality-made swimsuit that will be appropriate for onstage competition. You will want to pay special attention to the swimsuit lining, due to stage lighting considerations.
Evening Gown- Judges focus on poise, overall appearance, and sense of fashion and style. No single detail of the gown, hair or make-up should garner attention. The overall effect should be a reflection of your personal style. You will need one evening gown. Choose your BEST color, a style that looks great on you and will show well on stage.
Sponsors can include, but are not limited to your family, friends, local businesses, fraternal organizations and clubs, schools, etc. You are not limited by geographic boundaries. You may secure sponsors from anywhere in or out of the state. If accepted, you will receive paperwork to help secure sponsorships. Sponsorships can help defray costs for entry fee, wardrobe, etc. You may have as many sponsors as you like, but you will be limited to acknowledging only 20 under your picture in the official program book. You may buy spotlight ads to highlight additional sponsors.
What are the prizes and scholarship monies involved should I win?
Prize money and packages differ from year to year according to sponsors that are obtained.
What if I have a tattoo or body piercing?
Tattoos and piercing are a statement of your individuality, and to this point we have not prohibited anyone from entering the pageant because of them. Judges are not told to look upon someone negatively because of tattoos or piercing, but judging is a subjective process done by each individual differently.
Should you feel that your tattoo might be offensive, you may want to make sure it is covered by your swimwear, gown or even body makeup. If you are uncomfortable with your naval piercing, you may want to make sure your wardrobe covers it, replace it with something smaller and less noticeable or remove it totally for pageant weekend.
What are my responsibilities should I win and how much time & expense is involved for me and my family?
Time involved should you become MRS. PENNSYLVANIA UNITED STATES® varies on your location within the state and your desire to make appearances. We make every effort to obtain appearances for titleholders, but realize that your education and family are a high priority, so we do our best to accommodate school and family when arranging appearances. Again, this is on a case-by-case basis and requires much coordination and communication between the titleholder and titleholder manager, who is assigned by Sanders & Associates. Appearances will be both on a local and statewide basis and may include parades, style shows, speaking engagements or trade shows.
MRS.PENNSYLVANIA UNITED STATES's expenses to and from the MRS. UNITED STATES® Pageant are taken care of as part of her prize package. Also some wardrobe and other expenses are provided for. Transportation and expenses for spouse and family members to and from and at the national pageant are their own responsibility.
We understand your concerns as to time involved, and do everything possible to accommodate and coordinate schedules, but there are certain responsibilities that accompany the privilege of becoming MRS. PENNSYLVANIA UNITED STATES.