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Mrs.
International celebrates its continuing commitment to excellence
on a Tennessee mountaintop where
everyone leaves a winner.
By Charles Dunn .........PHOTOS
BY DAN BUIKEMA
There comes a time in every married couple's life when they
reflect on the cherished memories of the past and commit to
their goals of the future - dreams that
only they can share. Such a renewal of vows at this year's Mrs.
International event was never more apparent. After all, it is
here in the Smoky Mountains where
honeymoon couples by the thousands come to start lives together
and vow a lifetime of commitment to each other. How appropriate,
then, that the location and setting of
Mrs.International
also is the "Smokies." The pageant offers "a moment in time"
to participants not only to renew their personal vows to each
other, but also to
reinforce the program's own vows for which it has become famous.
That promise made to each contestant, their families, and their
state directors is to produce the
highest-quality event for married women in the world.
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The
Mrs. International Program and finals events showcase the heart
of the program - the married woman. The program's philosophy
- that "our stars are our contestants" - was never more evident
than at this year's events. The candidates for the title were
the celebrities, and sharing the stage with professional show-business
entertainers only increased each
contestant's celebrity status!
Headlining
the 2002 finals, masterfully produced by Matt Davenport Productions,
was the Grammy award-winning vocalist Gloria Gaynor. She was
joined by mistress of ceremonies and Star Search spokes model
winner Debbie James and returning master host and the star of
The Newlywed Game, the incomparable Bob Eubanks. With this caliber
of celebrity talent, coupled with the support of accomplished
performers and the "Stars of the Week" - the contestants - the
stage was set for yet another unbelievable week in the family
vacation spot of the country, "The Great Smoky Mountains."
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Upon the delegates' arrival from around the country and the
world at the scenic, luxurious Music Road Hotel, the staff and
state directors of the Mrs. International Program greeted them
and introduced them to their sister contestants. Thus began
the process of establishing camaraderie and new friendships,
for which the Mrs. International Program is well known. This
would be a week for not only sharing experiences and touring
the sites of this fabulous location, but also a time to encourage
a coming together as a sorority of women with much in common.
An orientation provided all the contestants with details concerning
their week of activities. First on the agenda was a fun-filled
day at Dollywood Theme Park. Then it was time for the contestants
to step into- their celebrity roles; they were whisked off to
the mall for autograph signings and candid photos. By now, each
contestant was realizing what a high quality program they were
part of. The autographs and photo sessions demonstrated just
how much their director cared for them and how special they
were.
Once back at the hotel, candidates for the title got down to
business with individual in-depth interviews with the judges.
This part of the pageant gave the panel of judges opportunities
to meet each contestant on a personal level. The interviews
also offered each woman the chance to share their community-service
platform. Judges would learn why they had chosen their particular
platform subject, as well as what they had accomplished on behalf
of their beneficiaries. Mrs. International places a great deal
of emphasis on this area of competition, because the platform
becomes a part of the year's activities for whoever is chosen
as Mrs. International.
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With
those preliminary interviews completed, the fun continued when
contestants traveled to the incredible Louise Mandrel Theater
in Pigeon Forge, TN, site of the finals show. There they were
introduced to the show's award-winning producer Matt Davenport.
The excitement grew as the delegates had their first view of the
stage and sets, and then were given an overview of their roles
in the upcoming shows. Time-outs sandwiched between rehearsals
allowed candidates throughout the week to share with their families
many of the area's tourist activities. As the busy rehearsal schedule
continued, contestants received much care and encouragement from
Matt Davenport and his staff, which would payoff in their finals
performance.
The first evening began with the introduction of celebrity host
Debbie James. With her proficient yet exciting delivery of the
carefully planned script, it soon became clear why this beautiful
young woman had won the Star Search spokesmodel prize. She put
Mrs. International contestants at ease with her on-stage presence
and polished introductions. The show itself featured top-rated
dancers and entertainers brought together by Matt Davenport Productions.
Contestants competed in Aerobic Wear, a competition designed to
demonstrate their commitment to fitness. On-stage interviews offered
insights into their personalities. Then it was time for the beautiful
Evening Wear presentation, where each woman appeared in a gown
of her choosing, escorted by her admiring husband. At
the close of the preliminary show, the winners were announced
and several special awards presented.
For the first time at Mrs. International, there was a three-way
tie for the Aerobic Wear award - it went to Mrs. Hawaii Tara Easley,
Mrs. Minnesota Pamela Finley, and Mrs. Nebraska Peggy Malzacher.
Mrs. Italy Bettina Burghart was the preliminary Photogenic winner,
and she also took the Evening Wear award for the fresh and exciting
new designer gown that complemented her presentation. Pageantry
magazine Publisher Charles Dunn and President Betty Dunn presented
the Pageantry Spirit Award to Kansas State Director Glenda Owens,
in honor of her tireless efforts and determination on behalf of
that state's program.
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Mrs.
International Executive Directors Mel and Mary Richardson presented
the next set of awards. The Rookie of the Year award went to Iowa
State Directors Ken and Dee Henderson, and the Director of the
Year award was given to Louisiana State Directors Karen and Ricky
Wells. Honoring state directors and staff in such a way is a rare
event in the pageant industry; to make such awards a part of the
preliminary show proved to be a wonderful decision on the part
of Mel and Mary Richardson.
As anticipation of final night grew, delegates, the cast
of celebrities, and Davenport Productions put the finishing touches
on the show at rehearsals. Their hard work paved the way for a
night of incredible entertainment - something that has come to
be expected of the Mrs. International stage presentations. The
evening's event would prove to be something on the order of the
Academy Awards and Emmy Awards.
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When
the curtain opened, the contestants, along with the dancers and
entertainers, presented a spectacular production number that told
the audience that this was an evening to be remembered. Host Bob
Eubanks and co-host Debbie James handled the introductions of
the contestants, during which fans and audience expressed their
vocal support for their favorite delegates. The competition continued
in earnest with the announcement of the Top 10, who were: Mrs.
AZ, Mrs. AR, Mrs. IL, Mrs. MN, Mrs. NC, Mrs. SD, Mrs. TN, Mrs.
SC,Mrs. UT, and Mrs. VA.
While the contestants were preparing for their next appearances,
the judges were introduced. After another musical production
number, the Top 10 finalists competed in aerobic wear. Grammy
award-winner Gloria Gaynor performed a medley of the many
recordings she made famous, including her most recognized
hit song, "I Will Survive" (which is also the title of her
autobiography written in 1997). This added an element to
the evening that matched any award- winning show on television.
For Evening Wear com-, petition, the delegates magically
appeared on stage with their admiring husbands serving as
escorts. The love and support displayed by each contestant's
partner touched the hearts of everyone during this part
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When Bob Eubanks asked for the judges' decisions, the excitement
and anticipation throughout the Louise Mandrell Theater was palpable.
Bob announced the Top 5 in reverse order of finish: 4th R/U Mrs.
IL Donna Beering, 3 R/U Mrs. NC Shanna Hester, 2nd R/U Mrs. UT
Cherie Fisher, 1st R/U Mrs. MN Pamela Finley, and the new Mrs.
International Mrs. VA Tonya Matney. The audience rose to their
feet to applaud the winners, and also to show appreciation for
the first-class event they would not soon forget.
The evening was topped off by a Coronation Ball, during which
everyone had the opportunity to appear in congratulatory photos
and partake in a wonderful buffet. All in all, it was an evening
to celebrate a successful week filled with family togetherness
and new friends. The Ball was a fitting close to a memorable experience
for us all, and it also was the start of a year that Mrs. International
'02 Tonya Matney and her family will long cherish. |
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