For The Cortez Journal

The Mrs. Colorado America Pageant is accepting applications from married women to represent Montezuma County as a state finalist on April 16 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in the Denver Center for Performing Arts Complex. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Colorado, a U.S. citizen, and married at the time of the pageant.

"We are looking for articulate, well-rounded, beautiful married women with an interest in competing," said pageant director Emily Stark. "Our state finalists represent married women of all ages, backgrounds and occupations. Some have children, many are involved in their community, and all of them are remarkable in their own way. The majority of the contestants have never participated in a pageant before so this is a great way to step out of their comfort zone and grow as a person. There is no age limit or no height requirement. Performing a talent is not required," Stark said. "We believe that being a married woman and juggling all of life's responsibilities is talent enough."

The Mrs. Colorado America Pageant is entering its 40th year of competition, and the winner will represent Colorado at the Mrs. America Pageant held in Las Vegas.

More information: www.mrscoloradoamerica.com or 303-593-1199.