I was doing so well blogging about every day of Miss Iowa week, then I had one day with the internet down (Davenport had a huge storm and 800 homes went without power!) and I never got back into the writing flow. The last time I wrote I was getting ready for Thursday of Miss Iowa week, so I’ll do a quick recap of the rest of Miss Iowa week.
Thursday morning was actually very relaxing for the second half of the contestants. I was able to sleep in, read the newspaper, eat a leisurely breakfast, and do a quick workout in my hotel room before we headed to the Blackhawk Hotel for lunch before interviews. Interview felt great and got me excited to compete later that night. After interview, I had my technical talent rehearsal and a quick massage in the lobby of the Adler Theatre (much too quick! Thank you Institute of Therapeutic Massage and Wellness!) before heading out to dinner at Greatest Grains with the other contestants. Greatest Grains is owned by Pauli’s family and is by far the most delicious meal of the Miss Iowa week. That night was the first night of preliminary competition and the Miss contestants competed in on-stage question and evening gown.
With Gretchen, Miss Eastern Iowa, at Greatest Grains.
Introducing myself during the opening number.
Competing in on-stage question.
Competing in evening gown.
Friday was a very busy day. We started bright and early at 7:30 with the Miss Iowa Golf Outing. I had a great golf team – my dad, my brother, my boyfriend, and one of my board members. They did really well and seemed to have a great time. After a couple hours of cheering on golfers, we headed back to the Clarion for lunch with the Optimists Club. I sat next to Rachel, the adorable 5-year daughter of one of the members. After lunch, we got to spend a couple of hours with our princesses playing dress-up. I had a great time with my princess Stella – she has great taste! At 3:15 (!) we headed to Hy-Vee for dinner with our princesses. That night was the second night of preliminaries and the Miss contestants competed in swimsuit and talent and crowned our princesses.
With the rest of the contestants before the golf outing.
My golf team!
Competing in swimsuit.
Competing in talent.
Crowing Stella.
Saturday was also a busy day. That morning, my parents came to the Clarion to help me move out of my hotel room. Next, we went to the Bettendorf Family Museum for some fun time with our princesses. Stella has so much energy and we had a blast running around that museum! Then we all headed to Incredible Pizza for a quick lunch. We could have spent hours with our princesses here! Next, we went to the L’il Miss and Junior Miss Iowa pageants. Congratulations to Ally Wichman, Li’l Miss Iowa 2011, and Matilyn Hepker, Junior Miss Iowa 2011. After the long pageant (close to four hours), we headed back to the Adler Theatre to get ready for the final night of competition. The top ten of both Miss and Teen competed in swimsuit, talent, and evening gown. At the end of the night, I was honored to be named the First Runner-Up to Miss Iowa. I tied with Jessica Pray for overall interview winner, was named the Miss America State Academic Award winner, and was the Miracle Maker winner (for the contestant who raised the most funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals). Congratulations to Francesca Lubecki-Wilde, Miss Iowa’s Outstanding Teen 2011, and Jessica Pray, Miss Iowa 2011. They both have a busy and exciting year ahead of them and I wish them the best.
With my princess Stella before lunch at Incredible Pizza.
Tangoing with Benjamin Riveria, a professional dancer, after being named to the top ten.
Being named overall interview winner. I was tied with Jessica Pray for this award.
With the new Miss Iowa, Jessica Pray.
The Muscatine/Pearl City team. From left - Miss Muscatine Executive Director Kindra Plett, Miss Iowa 2011 Jessica Pray (Miss Muscatine), Miss Pearl City Elizabeth Davidson, Miss Pearl City's Outstanding Teen Jessica Erbst, and Miss Pearl City Executive Director Ashley Brown.
Thank you to my friends and family for their support. I was honored to be named the First Runner-Up to Miss Iowa for the second year. I hope to someday be Miss Iowa, but in the meantime, I will continue to support this program that means so much to me.
I have taken the last week off to just relax and unwind after Miss Iowa. I went up to Minneapolis to spend some time with my boyfriend before he begins working. We had a great time hiking around Minnehaha Falls, visiting the Como Zoo, spending time with friends, and just relaxing. Now, I am ready to get back in the gym, look for internships for the fall, and study for the GMAT and LSAT exams. I’ll have a busy summer ahead of me and, of course, will continue to proudly represent the Muscatine area.
With my boyfriend Stephen at the Japanese Garden in the Como Conservatory.
Elizabeth
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