US : Ms. Golden America Inc. Launches Beauty Pageant for Baby-Boomers

Focusing on the beauty and accomplishments of women baby boomers, Ms. Golden America Inc., based in Naples, Florida, has developed a pageant much like the “Miss” pageants that have been popular for decades. Ms. Golden America features women age fifty and above and, unlike its younger counterparts, there is no swimsuit competition. Women participating in the pageant may be married, single, divorced or widowed.

The event is the brainchild of Kathleen LeSage, a former beauty queen who has worked as a marketing executive for companies that market to the over-fifty consumer, including Marriott Senior Living Services and Stone Street Financial.

“I actually came up with the idea one day about eight years ago as I was looking through stock photos of women in their 50’s and 60’s for a brochure I was creating,” Ms. LeSage states. “Having a background in modeling and pageants, I realized what an incredible opportunity there was for women of this age in the modeling and pageant industry. I opened Ms. Golden America Inc. in 2003 and have been working on this event for two years. By the year 2010 there will be more people over the age of 50 than under it, so the opportunities are endless for the winner of Ms. Golden America.”

The pageant will take place in Fort Myers, Florida at the Harborside Event Center on October 29, 2005. “I am excited to have the pageant in Fort Myers…it’s the perfect location with its beautiful weather, excellent lodging and airport facilities. In addition, Southwest Florida is a magnet for the over-fifty crowd. One out of every 1,000 Americans will own property in Fort Myers or Naples by the end of 2005,” states Ms. LeSage.

Contestants will compete in five areas of competition including tennis wear, commercial appeal, written essay and the traditional evening gown and on-stage question-and-answer session. Requirements for eligibility include United States residency, being at least 50 years of age by October 29, 2005 and of course, being a female.

Ms. Golden America is now accepting applications for pageant contestants. Entry information may be obtained by calling 1-800-545-9507 or by visiting their website at www.msgoldenamerica.com.