Nationals 2006 in California is the backdrop for a week of fun!

By Kelly Carrington Photos: Texas Digital Studios

From Rodeo Drive to Disneyland, this year’s National American Miss Pageant was a fantastic Thanksgiving week to remember. This national production hosted 700 of the nation’s outstanding young ladies for an exciting week of fun.

During their stay in Anaheim, national finalists were treated to an array of activities that made the week more than a pageant event; it was indeed the family vacation of a lifetime.

Stepping out in style, National American Miss hosts greeted each delegate and presented her with a memorable gift from their state director. The next stop was the check-in area, where they were surrounded by a dazzling display of more than 2,000 trophies, and the official crown, banner, luggage, ring, apparel, and an array of gifts in store for the new National American Miss queens. Following check-in, the delegates were greeted with fanfare and applause as they were introduced for the first time on the national stage.

For the themed parties, the delegates came in extraordinary outfits from the ’50s for the younger girls and the ’70s for the older girls. This was a great way to get to know new friends from across the country, try out your skills on the dance floor, see if your costume endured the test of time, and display your family’s entertainment values, live on stage, during the lip-sync competition.

The spotlight was on the girls with a spectacular day at Disneyland, where they enjoyed an exclusive National American Miss picnic with the Disney characters and spent a sun-filled day enjoying the rides and fireworks.

They were treated to a taste of celebrity style as they boarded VIP tour buses and headed for Hollywood. From the Stars’ Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive to the Pacific ocean beach, this was truly a day to remember.

One of the week’s highlights proved to be the special time spent with friends and family at the formal Thanksgiving banquet. The tables were set with fresh flowers and candles, the lights were dimmed, and the families entered the Grand Ballroom with greetings of Thanksgiving from the staff and directors of National American Miss. The buffet was highlighted with a special touch from the delegates, as each were introduced and delivered their blessing of thanksgiving on the giant video screens adorning the stage. Family and friends were in for a special treat this year as celebrity entertainer Kevin Spirtas from Days of Our Lives sang a special song to remind everyone of the true meaning of Thanksgiving. It was an extraordinary Thanksgiving for all those attending the banquet.

Next stop, the National American Miss Red Carpet Awards, where the girls had their moment in the spotlight to walk down the red carpet. While there, some of the girls were interviewed by television anchors as they entered the awards ceremony to find out who would take home their share of more than $400,000 in cash, prizes, and college scholarships for the outstanding optional contests like Talent, Photogenic, Spokesmodel, Actress, Casual Wear Modeling, and many more.

More than 35 judges from across the country were flown in to complete the experienced celebrity panel of judges. In addition to the judges, National American Miss has assembled an expert staff of some 60 members to serve each girl and her family during all the events.