Mrs. Washington Contest At Nc

Thu., April 24, 1997

Nina Culver Correspondent

Pageants are no longer the domain of teenagers and swimsuits. The Mrs. Washington Pageant, in Spokane on Saturday, will feature married women from around the state - and there won’t be a swimsuit in sight.

The 12 semifinalists, all Washington state residents, range from 25 to 55 years old and have been married between four and 34 years. They will be judged on a personal interview, aerobic wear and evening gowns.

The pageant’s goal is to promote marriage and family and emphasize inner beauty more than exterior beauty, says organizer Connie Wagner. Each past winner is expected to attend the 10th anniversary ceremony.

Five of the contestants are from Spokane: Leslie Stevenson, Marvel Gardner, Cari Bickley, Rhonda Carpenter and Heidi Ritz Stephens. Tammie Jones is from Riverside.

Mrs. Washington 1997 will travel to Texas next August to compete in the national finals.

Saturday’s pageant will be at 7 p.m. in the North Central High School Theater. A coronation reception will follow at the Ridpath Hotel.

Tickets are $12 for adults, and $7.50 for seniors and children under the age of 12. They are available at G&B Select-A-Seat outlets or call 325-SEAT.

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