From the opening night dinner party until the fabulous crowning, the Beauties of America Pageant took Myrtle Beach by storm.

'Under the Sea” was the theme for the 22nd annual Beauties of America national pageant, with delegates arriving from as far away as Alaska and as nearby as North Myrtle Beach to vie for the coveted Beauties of America national titles and the largest prize packages in the pageant’s history. Reflecting the Beauties of America slogan of “celebrating beauty and achievement at every age,” delegates from ages 15 to 74 competed for the five Beauties of America national titles: Teen, 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s and Up.

The 2006 state titleholders arrived at the Sheraton Hotel and Myrtle Beach Convention Center to begin an exciting and glamorous four-day weekend of pageantry and friendship. Orientation provided an opportunity to get acquainted with each other, as well as to meet National Director Jennifer White and the pageant staff. Each delegate received numerous gifts from the pageant and its sponsors, including a complimentary issue of Pageantry magazine. Contestants were also individually introduced and presented with an official certificate of participation.

Following orientation, the delegates changed into fun, rock star-inspired attire for a limousine ride to the Hard Rock Café, where the ladies enjoyed dinner and were treated like celebrities as they signed autographs and were photographed by official pageant photographer Paula Preston.

Friday saw the start of competition, with the private interviews and Photogenic judging taking place. Delegates also began rehearsing the opening number and preparing for the on-stage portion of the pageant. After a day of hard work, the Beauties of America state queens, dressed in tropical attire, enjoyed a “Beach Blast Dinner Party,” joined by the 2005 national queens, and the pageant staff. The 2005 national queens voted to recognize Brittany Dronen, North Dakota’s 20s, for Most Beautiful Attire and Lauren Monahan, Tennesee’s 50s, for Most Unique Attire.

Delegates wrapped up their day with a special seminar presented by Robin Fleming, CEO of World of Beauty, Inc., who shared a multitude of makeup and styling tips to help participants achieve their personal best. Robin also provided each delegate with a gift bag that included samples of beauty products, informational materials, and more.

During the day of finals, excitement grew, and when the time came, the pageant began with delegates presenting the opening number on a stage that featured an exquisite tropical backdrop. Following that, each delegate competed in Fitness (swimwear for Teens and 20s, aerobic wear for 30s and 40s, and active sportswear for 50s and Up). Those scores were added to the Interview and Photogenic marks from the previous day, while delegates delighted the audience with their beautiful and elegant Evening Gown presentations. After a brief intermission, the final results were ready and the envelope was presented to the emcee. The delegates took the stage while being serenaded by Rick Alviti, who provided the entertainment for the evening.