How do I begin the QUEST for the 2012 Mrs. NC United States Crown?
1) Download and fill out the APPLICATION FORM (CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD) selecting a local title that you would be proud to represent (your city, county or area).  Email or call the director if you are unable to download the application from the website and we will send you an application.  Titles are first come, first served (there is a section on the application to indicate your choices). After you submit your form, along with your $25 application fee. You will be notified of the title you have been selected to represent! When you get your official local title holder banner you can begin making appearances & gaining support & sponsorship from your community as you compete for the Mrs. North Carolina United States 2012 title.
Applications are only seen by the  state and national directors. 2012 Mrs. NC US Judges will be given your "Judges Bio" which will be sent in your
contestant packet after we have received your application.
 
2) MOST IMPORTANTLY…..HAVE FUN & BE YOURSELF!!! The best pageant experiences happen for those contestants who understand that the “journey” is far more valuable than a crown and a weekend of competition where the outcome is determined by a panel of judges opinions…they say different day, different outcome! It is so true, so please remember to be true to yourself and focus on celebrating who YOU are and what YOU stand for! You will be amazed and humbled by everyone who supports you during this journey!

3) Once we receive your official application, we will contact you about your local title and your journey to becoming Mrs. NC United States 2012! You will then be mailed the Official Contestant Pageant and Media Kit. The director, Marietta, will stay in close contact with you along your journey to the crown to answer any questions and help you be fully prepared!


Who Can Enter the Mrs. NC United States Pageant?
No pageant experience is necessary! Several of our former Winners had no previous pageant experience!!
Married women (living with their spouse) who are 21 years old.
Children and Length of Marriage are not factors in our judging process.
You must be a United States Citizen to enter. You must live, work, go to school, or own land/property in
North Carolina to be eligible to compete in our pageant.
Email or call if you have questions regarding your eligibility.


When and where is the Mrs. NC United States Pageant?
Saturday- June 2, 2012
Historic Newton-Conover Auditorium in Newton, NC

Contestants Events - Spa Day & Semi-Formal Dinner, Friday- June 1, 2012


How much do tickets cost for pageant night?
We strive to keep our tickets cost effective for our audience to ensure everyone who would like to attend is able! Tickets for the 2012 Mrs. NC Pageant will be $15.
About a month before the pageant date, a link will be on this website where you can purchase tickets in advance.


Who is the director of the pageant?
Our director is Marietta Burke, read more about Marietta by CLICKING HERE
Do you have an assistant director or any other pageant staff? No, we do not employ any assistants or designated staff on behalf of the pageant.
Any and all questions regarding the pageant, competing, sponsorship, etc. should be directed to Marietta.
You may contact our director by calling the pageant office (704) 325-5307, email director@mrsncus.com, or by completing this form HERE


What local titles are available and how do I select a local title?
Local titles are awarded on a first come, first served basis! Please indicate your first & second choice when submitting your application. For example…if you live in Raleigh, NC,
you may want to select Mrs. Raleigh as your first choice (in the event someone has already captured that title) Mrs. Capital City could be your 2nd choice. If you live in Charlotte, NC,
you may select Mrs Charlotte, or you may select Mrs. Queen City, or Mrs. Mecklenburg County, etc. All you need to do to secure your title is send in the contestant application!


Do I have to have a “platform” to compete?
No! You can enter the pageant because you want to celebrate your family, your marriage & YOU! It’s great to make a difference, and a platform during your time as a local title holder
certainly provides a valuable resource and opens many doors & opportunities for appearances. Most contestants choose to focus on an area of “interest” that they feel passionate about, examples: volunteerism, March Of Dimes, Organ Donation Awareness, American Cancer Society, Boys & Girls Club, Breast Cancer Awareness... just to name a few.
You are not judged on the platform!


Is there an entry fee?
Yes, producing a professional, successful pageant requires substantial time & money! Hotel expenses & travel for qualified (out of town/state) judges, rental of facilities (including auditorium rental, stage decorations, security, food, insurance) professional entertainment & hosts are expenses that are not sponsored! Additionally, we must market the pageant, maintain a "up-to-date website", produce a souvenir program book, pay the franchise fee to the national pageant and cover Mrs. NC United States 2012 trip to the National Pageant, etc. These expenses are the ONLY reason we must charge a sponsorship entry fee! Several contestants in the past have paid their own fees and/or enlist the help of sponsors, (family members, organizations or businesses).The first contestant paid in full is the last contestant out on stage and so on!


How do I obtain Sponsors to help with pageant costs?
After you mail in your application, the director will mail you the contestant's packet. In this packet you will receive detailed instructions and marketing materials to send to sponsors.
This "kit" really works! Many contestants have used the kit with 100% success in obtaining their full entries paid!!


During the contestant's Interview with the Judges, where do the questions come from - news, political issues, current events?
The questions you will be asked come directly from your Contestant Bio (given in your Official Contestant Packet)  that you turn in to the director. You will not get any "left field" questions! Judges are specifically asked to ask questions from your Contestant Bio. We mail all of the Contestant Bios to the judges about three weeks before the pageant, to ensure they have carefully read each one and complied interview questions. Therefore, you should be comfortable and knowledgeable about  every thing you will be asked in interview!


Is there a talent competition?
Absolutely NOT! We think doing the balancing act as a married woman is talent enough.


Will my husband appear on stage with me during the pageant?
Your husband can breath a sigh of relief! They will not be appearing on stage during our 2012 pageant.


What are the areas of competition?

• Interview: The private interview is the judges' first impression of your personality, your intellect, your integrity, your honesty, your conversant ability, and your commitment to the things that matter to you most. Keep in mind that the Mrs. North Carolina US title is a public relations job. Your interview will be a relaxed, conversational meeting with a group of people who are interested in seeing how well you can present yourself in social settings and to the media.
  
  Each interview will be six minutes in length. You will be seated before the panel of judges. You will have the option to begin by presenting a brief introduction and then the conversation will begin. The majority of questions you will be asked will come directly from you bio sheet, so please be aware of this when preparing your documentation. 


• Physical Fitness in Swimsuit: Our delegates will compete in their choice of a moderately cut, one-piece or two-piece swimsuit. No string bikinis will be permitted. Pantyhose and sarong-type wrap are optional. If you choose, the sarong may be either solid or multi-colored. Taupe or clear acrylic heels are recommended with your swimsuit.

• Evening Gown: You will be expected to wear a full-length gown in a style and color that best compliments you. Please do not feel compelled to spend a tremendous amount of money. The judges will not be evaluating the value of your gown! Rather, concentrate on finding a gown that represents your uniqueness and that fits you perfectly.

• Onstage Question: The focus of the onstage questions will be topics that come directly from your judges bio. You will be asked two questions. One from your hobbies/interests and the second from your platform sections of your Contestant Bio. This allows you to display your grace under pressure and how quickly you can think on your feet.

How are contestants scored?
Interview = 1/3 of Score
Swimsuit = 1/3 of Score
Evening Gown = 1/3 of score
Onstage Question = Bonus 10%
You will receive a 1-25 point score in each competition, except onstage question where you are given a 1-10 score. 


Will I receive my judging sheets and scores after the pageant?
Yes!! Within 2-3 weeks after the pageant, you will be mailed or emailed copies of your score sheets.
You will be able to see your actual point score from each judge and their comments!

What do I get if I win?
WOW! See our prizes link!!! Our prize list will be updated as sponsors are added for 2012. The one lucky lady who is selected Mrs. North Carolina US will have her entire entry to the national pageant paid - this includes her accommodations & meals that week, as well as her flight to Vegas.  PLEASE SEE PRIZE PACKAGE LINK FOR MORE EXCITING PRIZES.…the chance to represent all married women across the State of North Carolina a chance to claim the Mrs. United States National Crown!
Our prize package for the 2011 winner is valued at $93,500!!!
Contestant Gift Bags for 2011 were worth over $2,000 each!!


What is expected of me if I win?
You can do as much as you like! Queens are required to make three appearances a month. We encourage you to be highly visible! Your participation and willingness to make appearances as Mrs. North Carolina US will only benefit you & your personal goals in the future. Look at Debbie Miller!! WOW! She is having an amazing year! Debbie has made numerous appearances, and through those appearances she has opened many doors of endless opportunities. We understand that as a “Mrs.” you have a family, job, and other obligations! We will work with you to help you juggle your new position! Remember you only have one year, make the most of this experience!

Did you know that our Mrs. NC 2009, Rachel Lee Carter wrote a book - Fashioned by Faith - during her reign and was published by Thomas Nelson! Mrs. NC 2010, Dawn Brinkley, was chosen as a National Spokesperson for Merz's Make your Mark Campaign - see www.makeyourmarkcampaign.com. Our current Mrs. NC, Debbie, is an ambassador for Go Red for Women and making AMAZING appearances!!


Do you have a Facebook Page or Twitter for the pageant?
Yes, we do! Facebook - www.facebook.com/MrsNorthCarolina     Twitter- www.twitter.com/MrsNCUSPageant

If you've been in pageantry for any length of time you've heard the comment the "power of the crown". While it may seem simply a catchy statement to authenticate all that we put our efforts to in pageantry, I can assure you as Mrs. North Carolina United States 2008 I had ample opportunity to personally experience it! Throughout the year, I kept my crown and sash with me at all times because there were always great moments when I could break out my special "power". The crown and sash helped to gain VIP parking spaces, free admittance to fairs, first class seating on an airplane - even an elephant ride at the circus! My husband Scott and I even joked that I should keep it in the car forever to continue getting those "rock star" parking spaces!

While all of that is true, I say it with a bit of jest. The true "power of the crown" came with the moments I spent with the people during my reign as Mrs. NC. There were countless opportunities to influence young girls regarding the way they felt about themselves. In just a few minutes as I placed my crown on women, young and old, I saw their faces change - for just a moment they felt like a true princess. Little ones' eyes and ears widened to the messages that I had as they gazed at the sparkling accessory on my head. It is a power to not take lightly because in their eyes you are a living, breathing fairytale with all pearls of wisdom. So rare in life do we have such a voice, so use it well. I'd like to share one specific opportunity with you...

It was my last official appearance as Mrs. North Carolina United States 2008, the Friday prior to crowning the beautiful Rachel Lee Carter. I had the privilege of visiting Levine Childrens Hospital in Charlotte about which I was particularly excited since there were two young men hospitalized at the time, Preston Lloyd and Jones Carr, whose stories I was familiar. I felt honored to visit them and offer support to their families as well as to all of the children at Levine. I was also quite nervous about my own feelings as I went, given I am a mommy and with motherhood comes the empathy that I felt for the mother's as they stood by their children's bedside. One can't help but to see their own child as they visit sick little ones in the hospital. There was one patient in particular who was so excited for my arrival and had looked forward to it all week. In fact I had to wait outside her room as she prepared herself by donning her own tiara and lip gloss. As I went into her room she simply beamed - never spoke really, but grinned from ear to ear the entire time. I spent some time with her, signing autographs, taking pictures, delivering a gift and providing encouragement to her and her family. The weekend passed and I went home returning to life as usual, no longer the "reigning" Mrs. North Carolina United States. I received an email on Monday that the little girl had taken a dramatic turn for the worse over the weekend and had passed away unexpectedly. The family indicated that her life's dream was to see a real princess and they felt that since her wish had come true, by me, she could leave this world and receive her true crown in heaven. I am forever imprinted with her smile and so incredibly humbled that I could have served her and her family. As they thanked me for what I did for her, I was struck with guilt over time spent seeking the glory of the crown when there was such a work to be done.

To my sisters in this sorority of pageantry, always be prepared to influence positively those around you. The power that you hold in your sash and potentially the crown is a great one and with it comes great responsibility. While sequins, rhinestones, Firm Grip, and four inch heels are all a part a "pageant girl", what is most important is the message that is within your heart for you to share to the world. Seize every opportunity that the "power" provides to make a small change in the people around you with whatever message you are called to share. The pageant is quickly approaching so I wish each of you the best, never leave home without you sash and may the "force" be with you!

Want to compete? Contact Marietta at 704-325-5307 or director@MrsNCUS.com.
I will be glad to help you, and look forward to speaking with our future contestants!