Meeting with Allison Stavarkis my Minnesota State Director!

I  recently had the pleasure of meeting with my State Director, Allison Stavrakis and former Mrs. Oakdale 1997. As a reigning, Miss MN International, I happen to believe that we have a fabulous program and I was excited to learn about this year’s production. We discussed preparations and pre-pageant activities and I am sure that it was be a fun and rewarding experience for all involve.

I can’t help but feel a certain amount of nervous energy that is associated with a big event. It seems such a short time ago that I was preparing to compete. The actual performance is held on my alma matter, St. Cloud State University in a lovely auditorium. To keep all the contestants comfortable, they utilize the classrooms that connect to the auditorium as changing room. There will be plenty of room to hang your garments, but make sure to label everything as during quick changes, things can get chaotic.

Here are a few tips:

• If you need some professional advice, you can’t beat the book Creating Queens authored by Suzy Boots, which is available on this website under Shop On-line.
• The Green Mill restaurant connected to the hotel offers great lunch and dinner options, but they are not open for breakfast. There is a Perkins within a block, so that may be a good option.
• Be sure to pre-order a poster-sized picture from photographer Paula Preston. I guarantee that Paula will capture some excellent shots that you will treasure for a lifetime. There will be some tables set up in the hotel lobby and pageant personnel to help you order.

One of my greatest pleasures was meeting the former contestants and queens that continue to volunteer and support the pageant. I was so surprised to learn that these women become lifelong friends and pageant sisters. The community of support is truly amazing.

I look forward to meeting all of the new and returning contestants.

Goodluck!

Krista Wanous
Miss International 2012

Director Extraordinaire, Allison Stavrakis!

After attending a pageant event in Burnsville, Minnesota on Sunday, November 26th I had a chance to sit down with Allison Stavrakis, Minnesota International Pageant State Director, and the talented Leisha Gust, Mrs. Minnesota International 2008. We took the time to catch up on past and upcoming Mrs. International appearances and had a chance to chat about the international tour stops that are certain to be filled with adventure. I reminded both ladies…and now all of you, that you are absolutely welcome to join me as we take the crown around the world.

This was also a chance to get caught up on details for the March 2013, Minnesota International Pageants, and to be certain my dual duties of fulfilling the Mrs. International and Mrs. Minnesota International 2012 obligations are meeting my director’s expectation. For anyone who has held a title, you understand that the relationship you have with your director is an important one. He/She is the person to whom you are held accountable, and the stronger your relationship, the better your reigning experience will be.

I have titled this blog, “Director Extraordinaire, Allison Stavrakis,” because I sincerely believe that Allison goes above and beyond as a director for her queens. Many readers may also know that Allison was Mrs. Minnesota International 1988 and has been involved in this system for many years. It is thanks to Allison that the Minnesota queens in the Teen, Miss, and Mrs. categories have an amazing bond. The sisterhood in the state I call home is truly special.

For example, when one of our sisters developed breast cancer, the rest of the pageant family stepped up to be with her through grueling treatments, they have taken into their homes when she needed assistance, and the extended pageant family threw a benefit to raise funds that was a huge success. This is what it means to be a part of something bigger than oneself…and in this case, we have Allison to thank for her guidance, her love, and her commitment to us all.

With love and appreciation,

Sarah Bazey
Mrs. International 2012