Pageant!

Ah, a Virginia tradition . . .Pageant Weekend and Thanksgiving Weekend!

This year's pageant was held in Williamsburg at the Crowne Plaza. There was a FANTASTIC Hospitality room, thanks to Mom TJ! If anyone went hungry, it was their own fault! There was so much food . . .and, from what I understand, always a game going on in there. I heard Bop It! and Apples to Apples was pretty popular.

On Friday, the Candidates had their various competitions: written ritual, oral ritual and interviews! The Alternates also took the written ritual test - but they had a music rehearsal! That even Kelsey and Sammy hosted a dinner for the Candidates, Alternates, Judges, Pageant Committee and the rest of us folk! We were joined by The Supremes (no, not the group): Mom Elaine, Dad Dave, Ana K, Arielle and Mom Melanie (that got a little confusing . . .)

On Saturday, while the Candidates and Alternates were in their rehearsal, Dad Bill and I took The Supremes on a tour of Colonial Williamsburg. Dad Bill acted as our tour guide and we saw such as things as The Field of No Significance. And we saw where Robert lived, and James and whoever else Dad Bill made up. :)

Saturday night was the Formal Banquet . . . and it was yummy! I'm always thrilled when the dinner is something that I can eat (the perk of being GG: you get to pick the meals!) After the banquet Dad Bill, Mom Elaine and I went to visit the Candidates and Alternates. I gave an impromptu concert (I sang "Taylor the Latte Boy") . . .

Then . . .SHOW TIME! Mom Sarah Duke was our MC and she introduced each of the Candidates and Alternates . . .which is always one of my favorite parts. I like learning about you girls!

Sadly, I don't remember the order of the pageant itself . . .

Sammy and Kelsey both gave their final remarks. Sammy brought up such things like the time we (Dad Bill, Sammy, Kelsey and I) were in the car coming back from Conclave and both girls were yelling "My Grands scare me!" as other cars passed . . . .To be fair, Dad Bill and I were tired and punchy. Kelsey, I must say: that's the first time I've been referred to as the "Woman Behind the Shoes." ha ha ha ha - loved it!

Some awards were given out . . .I believe Karen-Anne from 55 sold the most ads for the booklet, Angela from 7 earned a perfect score on the spoken ritual and KC from 52 earned the award for the highest score on the written ritual test.

The finalists were announced and they were taken to a sound-proof room . . .and one by one they were brought out to answer the final question. The final question was about Thanksgiving and what we are thankful for.

It was time for the announcement of Miss Congeniality. Dad Bill and I joined the Daughters on the stage . . .(drum roll!). . .Jessyca from 42!!! YEAH!!!

Now . . .for the big stuff . .

4th runner up: Ashlee from 46
3rd runner up: Angela from 7
2nd runner up: Alyssa from 3
1st runner up: Amanda from 53
Miss Job's Daughter: KC from 52

After the Pageant was a dance . . .and we were treated to lots of dancing by The Supremes! And trust me, there was LOTS of dancing!

Many of us had to get up bright and early the next morning for the Supreme Visitation rehearsal . . .after the rehearsal Mom Ann, our Grand Chaplain, lead us in a moving worship service and presented a message of thankfulness.

Literally, right after the service was over, the Supreme Visitation began. We carried on the tradition and the HQs of 2009-2010 made up the members of the Bethel. Kerry from 22 and Alyssa from 3 were the presiding HQs and they did a FANTASTIC job! We performed the Obligation Ceremony for the ceremony. What an honor for me to kneel before the altar and deliver the Obligation to the members of Job's Daughters. Kaylee from 1 sang "I Have a Dream" for the Librarian's Report and moved many of us to tears - it was beautiful. The meeting closed with the Cross - and it was gorgeous!

Thank you so much to everyone who made this such an enjoyable weekend for everyone! It takes a lot of people to put on the Pageant Weekend -- the next time you see them, make sure you say thank you! They did an AMAZING job!!

We're coming up on Installation season . . . . who knows? Perhaps Dad Bill or I or both us will show up at yours!!!

Peace out!
Mom Melanie :)