The original Mrs. America pageant began in 1938 and lasted for three decades before discontinuing in 1968. It was designed to select the ideal American homemaker. In 1977, David Marmel formed a new pageant organization and established a glamorous new contemporary format. While the pageant is still a beauty contest, Mrs. America contestants are urged to voice their opinions on marriage, children, and important issues of the day. All married women 18 years and over are qualified to enter and encouraged to participate. Now, celebrating it's 32nd anniversary, the Mrs. America pageant is the only nationally televised and recognized pageant for married women.

The Mrs. World pageant was created as an extension of the Mrs. America pageant and is not only televised worldwide, but was the first pageant in history ever to be shown throughout the Soviet Union. In 1990, the Mrs. America pageant was the first televised beauty competition to originate from Moscow. It was the most watched pageant in television history. Together with the Mrs. World pageant, it is the largest pageant system of its kind anywhere. Both events attract tourism, generate economic development and industry, and provide enormous positive promotional benefits for the sponsors and venues. Mrs. America Pageants have been held in Honolulu, Hawaii, El Paso, TX, Palm Springs, CA, Las Vegas, NV and Tucson, AZ.

TO QUALIFY:
You must be a naturally born female and a U.S. citizen
You must have resided in the state for at least 6 months
You must be at least 18 years of age
Entrant must be married as of the date of entry and throughout the competition

WARDROBE REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE PAGEANT:

One (1) floor length evening gown
One (1) one or two piece swimsuit (no string bikinis, thongs or brazilian cut)
One (1) interview outfit-a nice suit or dress
One (1) opening number outfit-to be determined

JUDGING IS BASED ON:

Interview-1/4 of score
Evening gown-1/4 of score
Swimsuit-1/4 of score
Beauty and Poise-1/4 of score
NO PERFORMING TALENT IS REQUIRED

NO PLATFORM IS REQUIRED