Ionia Free Fair: Last Parade as Miss Stanton

Kelsey, Alexis and I in front of the beautiful Blanchard House where a tea social was held for all of the Royalty to attend. We were able to meet other girls from all over including Miss Mint and Miss Ionia herself. The tea consisted of everything...except tea! There was coffee and juices accompanied by Danishes of every kind, cookies and other pastries. As soon as we walked in the door [pictured above], we saw a beautiful spiral staircase that led up to the second and THIRD story of the house. Every girl that was there filled the staircase for  a group shot. [If this doesn't describe how many girls were there, I don't know what does!] 

Directly following this, all the royalty were directed outside to the parade lineup. It was quite the site to see a bunch of girls in gorgeous gowns and rhinestoned high heals, all while ducked under umbrellas. However, due to the thundershowers and other unforeseen circumstances, the Miss Stanton girls did not participate in the parade. Instead, we took a tour of The Blanchard House. It was absolutely gorgeous. Being the goofy girls we are, we stopped to take pictures at every opportunity we were presented with!

Finally, we had seen the entire house and decided it was time to be getting home. We all loaded up and got ready to leave when we realized Kelsey was still standing outside by her car. My mom went to check on her while I waited inside. [Please note that it was pouring at this point, Haha] Kelsey just had a spare key made for her car and it wasn't fitting in her door to unlock it. It did, however, start her car that morning to get her to Ionia. Alexis's mom had some of her family members stop by to meet for the parade. They all tried to unlock it as well, hoping some had the "Magic Touch".....No one did. After everyone had their turn at trying to unlock the door, Kelsey called her parents for them to bring her her spare keys. 

After our little misfortune, if you will, my mother urged me to stand in the middle of the street to get a few last pictures. All in all, it was a great day and a success, just like all the other parades have been. It wouldn't feel right if we didn't have a small mishap along the way! ;0

There will be more to come soon. This Saturday [the 31st], I will be volunteering in Kalamazoo at the Special Olympics Softball Games! I am very excited for that, as I had a blast last time around! ;]

Greenville's Chalk it to Walk it with Royalty

Kelsey, Alexis, Stephanie and I.

Stephanie, Kelsey, Alexis and I with my friend Miss Danish Festival Chelsea and her Princess.

All the "Royalty" that attended the event from around the area.

Stanton, Greenville, Belding, Montcalm County and Harvest Festival are a few.

The four of us looking at the view.

We started off the event by getting to know the other girls before we began our walk down one of Greenville's trails. It had such a gorgeous view and went along the river. Kayakers and families were tubing down the river beside us. After we got back from the walk, ("Walk it" portion), we drew on the side walk("Chalk it"). Each person was asked to bring any canned food they could to donate.

It had been storming all morning and afternoon with funnel clouds surrounding us the entire drive there but, once again, the storm held off perfectly for the event!

Miss Michigan 2010

Miss Michigan Class of 2010

Buffalo Wild Wings hosted us for dinner one night.

Artistry, a huge sponsor for Miss America, came to the pageant and gave us some tips on makeup!

We worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters. It was my first time involved in the program and I loved it! I was paired with the girl beside me in the back, Taija. We all hung out at Chucky Cheese for the afternoon.

Me crowning Taija! Haha, she said she wanted to be a queen so I made her Queen for the day!

One of the preliminary nights in our opening outfits.

Before going out to a luncheon.

Singing the National Anthem at the Lakes Mall in Muskegon. We had a huge autograph signing there, then singing and performing onstage, followed by Big Brother Big Sister.

Chelsea, Ashley and I being our normal silly selves! 

Katie and I at House of Chan's. 

Katie is the new Miss Michigan 2010 and she is the sweetest girl in the whole world!!

Haley and I after finals night. 

Haley is Miss Michigan's Outstanding Teen 2009 and totally amazing!

My friends being totally awesome!!!

Me and my daddy! =]

My amazing family. They came every night to support me. Love you guys!! =D

The 9 days I spent in Muskegon for Miss Michigan were truly some of the best days I have ever had! Everyone always says, "Ooooh, I grew so much as a person!", but it is absolutely true! I made so many memories and have experienced so many things that I never would have imagined I would be doing and I have done them all at such a young age.

Ever since I was a little girl, I have been watching the Miss America pageant on tv, always telling my mom, "I want to be her!" Every little girls dream, I know. Standing in the position I am in now is absolutely crazy and yet phenomenal. It's so hard to believe. 

Although I did not win at the State level, I did however have a year of memories, experiences and life long friends. During this past year, I have become very close to the girls in the above picture. Closer than we really have to mention! Haha These girls are the sisters I never had and I know that they will always be there for me whenever I need them. They are the kind of friends that will last a lifetime!

"What's next for me?", some people ask. Only a select few people know that! I'll let the secret out of the bag soon enough. But for now, just know that I will be beginning my freshman year at Western Michigan University to study education.

Go Broncos!! =D