The Evening Gown competition showcases each contestant's grace, elegance, and poise. Participants choose gowns that reflect their personal style and confidence, making a statement as they walk the stage.
The Interview competition assesses intelligence, communication skills, and personality. Contestants engage in meaningful conversations with the judges, highlighting their passions, goals, and the causes they support.
In the Swimsuit or Fitness Wear competition, contestants display their physical fitness and confidence. This segment emphasizes health, strength, and the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
FITNESS COMPETITION: A swimsuit will be provided for this portion. You may wear nylons, and we suggest choosing sheer-to-waist nylons for the most natural look on stage. This category, worth 25% of your score, evaluates figure, fitness, posture, grace, elegance, beauty, and confidence. As a state titleholder, your schedule will be busy, and maintaining physical fitness is a crucial aspect of the competition. Try to set aside 15 minutes each day for physical activity—even something as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
PRIVATE INTERVIEW: A four-minute panel-style interview. Wear an interview suit (either pantsuit or skirt suit) or a stylish dress; for ideas, visit our sponsor at (www.) This category is worth 50% of your score and assesses your ability to articulate, your confidence, and your personality and presentation.
EVENING GOWN: Wear a floor-length gown of any color and style. This category accounts for 25% of your score and focuses on your poise, posture, grace, elegance, and overall presentation, including how well your gown choice complements you and how confidently you carry yourself.
OPENING NUMBER: Your opening number dress will be provided at registration during the pageant.
SCORING SYSTEM: Your score breakdown is 25% fitness, 25% evening gown, and 50% private interview. From the preliminary scores, a top fifteen or twenty will be selected. At that point, scores reset, and semi-finalists will compete again in swimsuit and evening gown. The top six contestants will then be chosen, and scores will be reset once more before they answer an identical question. Judges will then rank the contestants based on final performances.
APPEARANCES: Once you receive your banner, it’s time to start making appearances. Visit your local newspaper or Chamber of Commerce to learn about upcoming events in your community. Choose events that fit your schedule and align with your interests, like parades, Special Olympics, or business openings. Your presence adds a positive and impactful element to any event.
STAFF: Our dedicated staff members are volunteers who are committed to creating a wonderful experience for you and your families. Please be respectful of their efforts, as they work hard to keep everything running smoothly. For assistance, contact the state office at (661) 568-6299, and we’ll ensure you receive the help you need.
ADS: Advertising pages are a great way to highlight yourself, your title, and the support of your community. After acceptance, you’ll receive a copy of the 2025 Program Book with ideas for your ad page.
JUDGES: We put careful thought into selecting judges for this event. Their role is vital, and they are chosen for their qualifications and commitment to choosing the best representative based on contestants’ overall performances. The winner will embody the best qualities of all contestants in the competition.
PLATFORM: A platform is a cause or organization that you are passionate about supporting. While having a platform is not required, community involvement can be incredibly fulfilling. Consistent volunteer work is one way to make a positive difference.
SPONSORSHIP: The entry fee is $750 for Mrs. and $550 for Miss. This fee may be covered by the contestant or sponsors. What do sponsors receive in return? That’s up to you—one effective way is to offer appearances in exchange for sponsorship, as businesses often pay models for similar opportunities. You may list up to 10 sponsors in the Official Texas Program Book.
PRODUCTION FEE: A production fee of $175 covers your official pageant photos, the opening number dress, and your competition swimsuit.
GETTING STARTED: Send in your application along with your participation fee. Contestants represent the area they live or work in, which brings pride to both city and county. Once we receive your application, additional forms will be provided for the state competition. Select your state above to access the application, and payment can be made by credit card via PayPal.
HELP & SUPPORT: Everyone needs a hand now and then. If you can’t reach someone immediately, leave us a message, and one of our team members will follow up with you.
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
Address: 1800 19th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: (661) 568-6299
Website: www.CaliforniaPageantOffice.com
Email: Angela@BartonMarketing.com
Please note that all fees paid on your behalf or by yourself are non-refundable upon acceptance as a contestant. This policy is strictly upheld without exception.
JUDGING & CRITERIA
How is the Pageant Judged?
Contestants are evaluated across four key areas: Interview, Beauty, Swimsuit, and Evening Gown. The judging criteria emphasize character, poise, confidence, and personality.
Is there a Talent Portion?
No, a performing talent is not required. The competition consists of four equally weighted categories: interview, evening gown, swimsuit, and active wear.
Are Only “Perfect 10’s” Considered?
Not at all! We welcome women of all heights, shapes, and sizes. In the swimsuit portion, judges are primarily looking for physical fitness, which reflects a healthy, fit physique. Each year, our Top 10 Finalists include a variety of body types. We seek outgoing, intelligent, confident, and attractive women ready to represent their state.
Are There Height or Weight Requirements?
None whatsoever! Each contestant is unique, and judges focus on body proportion and personality rather than specific body measurements.
How Does Sponsorship Work?
Securing sponsorships is an important part of your pageant journey and requires commitment. Start by listing potential sponsors, like friends, family, and their employers, among others. Develop a strategy and set up appointments to present your goals, personal growth aspirations, charity interests, and platform. Explain the valuable experiences the pageant will offer, as this can greatly enhance your communication skills.
Our goal is for contestants to cover 100% of their sponsorship fee through these efforts. Sponsorships from businesses may even be tax-deductible as an advertising expense. By dedicating time to securing sponsors, you could potentially participate without any out-of-pocket expenses.
What if I Raise More Than the Required Sponsorship Fee?
If you raise more than the required fee, please submit the full amount to the state pageant office. Any excess can be allocated toward special “Spotlight ads” in the Official Program Book, providing additional visibility for you and your sponsors.
When Will the National Pageant Be Televised?
The national pageant is typically livestreamed each year, allowing viewers to watch the event in real time.
When Will the Semi-Finalists Be Named?
Semi-finalists will be announced during the first portion of the pageant finals on the final day of the competition. This moment is kept a surprise until the pageant finals show.
If I’m Not Named as a Semi-Finalist, Will I Still Be in the Pageant Finals?
Yes! All contestants will participate in the gown review, special awards, musical performances, and the naming of the titleholders, even if they are not selected as semi-finalists.
Do I Need a Different Gown for Finals Than the One I Wear for Preliminaries?
No, it is highly recommended to wear the same gown for both preliminaries and finals. Most contestants at the state pageant choose to do so.
What Is the “Introduction or Opening Number Outfit” For?
At the beginning of the show, each contestant will be introduced during an upbeat, choreographed introduction musical number. The choreography is simple and does not require any singing or advanced dance skills.
If I Win, Will It Interfere with My Work?
We prioritize your personal life and success. Appearances, celebrity events, and charity work will be scheduled in advance to accommodate your existing commitments.
Do I Have to Spend a Lot of Money on Wardrobe?
No, you don’t need to overspend on outfits. The key is to find clothing that makes you feel confident and suits your personality. Contestants often choose gowns that range from simple and elegant to intricately beaded, but remember, it’s the individual that judges are scoring, not the gown.
Do I Need to Pay for My Meals During Pageant Weekend?
Most meals throughout the state pageant weekend are provided, although it’s advisable to be prepared for any additional meals you may wish to purchase.
Do I Need to Pay for My Hotel Room During Pageant Weekend?
Yes, contestants must stay at the host hotel on Thursday and Friday of pageant weekend. We also recommend staying Saturday night for the after-party, and winners will have a photo shoot on Sunday that may last most of the day.
If My Family or Friends Want to Attend the Pageant, Where Do They Stay?
They can stay at the pageant’s host hotel, where special rates for friends and family typically apply.
How Do My Family and Friends Get Tickets to Attend the Pageant?
Ticket information will be available on the website once finalized.
What Should I Do If a Sponsor Gives Me Cash for My Sponsorship Fee?
If you receive cash for your sponsorship fee, please convert it into a money order or personal check, as cash should not be sent through the mail. If your cash contributions exceed the sponsorship fee, you do not need to send the excess amount.
How Many Contestants Compete at the State Pageant?
The state pageant accepts up to 50 delegates due to space limitations at the theater, and spots typically fill quickly.
What Should My Family and Friends Wear to the Pageant?
We recommend attire ranging from business casual to formalwear for both the preliminaries and finals.
Do I Have to Have Children?
No, having children is not a requirement for entry.
Am I Too Old to Win – Am I Too Young to Win?
Judges are looking for well-rounded, articulate women, and age is not a determining factor.
Is There a Height Requirement?
There is no height requirement to enter or win; past state winners have varied in height from 4’11” to 6’.
I’ve Never Entered a Pageant Before; Do I Have a Chance to Win?
Yes! Each contestant is given a fair opportunity to win, and success is dependent on the individual.
What Kind of Woman Enters the Pageant?
Our pageants attract women from diverse backgrounds and professions, including mechanics, engineers, doctors, lawyers, aspiring models, mothers, and traditional homemakers.
Will I Be Judged on Community Service?
No, community service is not a criterion for judging, as many married women contribute to their communities through their family responsibilities.
Is There an Entry Fee?
Yes, contestants are encouraged to raise the entry fee within their communities, as this fee covers operational costs like facility rentals, set design, and program printing. Space is provided in the official program book to recognize 10 of your supporters.
Are There Local Competitions I Must Enter First?
No local competitions are required; all contestants come directly to the state competition. Local titles are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
How Do I Get Started?
To get started, click on your category for an application, then email or mail it to the office with your application fee. Once accepted, you’ll receive a packet of information and have your local title banner ordered.
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