Miss Long Island USA

This weekend, Keelie and I jumped on the LIRR to head out to Patchogue to cheer for Marina Montes (Miss Suffolk County 2009, MAO) as she competed for a preliminary to Miss New York USA. It was a different scene in that the USA system, as many know, is more truly a "beauty pageant." All contestants competed in swimsuit and evening gown, while only Top 5 did on-stage question. It was wam-bam quick, but I kind of missed the talent and getting to know the girls a bit more. Marina looked awesome. For those who know her from Miss New York (2009 2nd Runner Up), she wore her same wardrobe, but hair down, looking beautious!! In Top 5, on-stage question actually leveled the playing field quite a bit. Everyone did a really nice job. And then there were two. It was Row E vs Row D -- E behind us cheering for Jamie (who was a Kelsey Cartwright, Miss OK 08 dead-on look-alike & 4th RU to Miss NY USA 08) and us, Marina's mom and boyfriend Dan, Keelie and myself, of course cheering and waving our light up fake candles for Marina :) 1st Runner Up: Marina Montes! We were really proud of how well she did her first time in a new system. You never know what to expect! Congrats to Jamie, the new Miss Long Island USA and Good Luck to BOTH at Miss NY USA -- I think Marina will be back, regardless! :) Gotta say, I really enjoyed our Columbian dinner and drinks afterwards as well as time with my road-trip/train buddy, Keelie! Photos to come....