The Inaugural Ms. Golden America Pageant Featured on Good Morning America Saturday Morning Edition

The first annual Ms. Golden America Pageant for women age fifty and over took place in Fort Myers, Florida and was covered by Good Morning America on ABC.

Naples, FL (PRWEB) October 31, 2005 -- Six days after Hurricane Wilma hit Southwest Florida, the Ms. Golden America Pageant took place at the Harborside Event Center in Fort Myers, Florida on Saturday, October 29, 2005. Despite the hurricane, the show still went on and was covered by Good Morning America on Saturday morning.

The contestants arrived at the Harborside Event Center at 5:45 a.m. to meet the camera crew and producer. Dressed in matching polo shirts provided by New Life Hiking Spa and “Ms. Golden America Representative” banners, the contestants shouted, “Good Morning America,” to the country and gave this new pageant for ladies over 50 national acclaim.

Micki Shirar, age 60, the local contestant from Fort Myers Beach, was selected to announce the pageant and location on the air. The interview with Juju Chang via satellite from New York was held with Kathleen LeSage, founder and director of the Ms. Golden America Pageant and two contestants.

The two contestants selected to be interviewed by Ms. Chang were Elle Nash and Joyce O’Brien. Elle Nash, age 64, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida is the owner of Fit Over Fifty and is a senior personal trainer. Ms. Nash is also a former Miss Manhattan from the 60’s and spent most of her career working on Capital Hill. Joyce O’Brien, age 55, from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania went on to win the pageant later that evening.

The pageant started at 6:00 p.m.and featured fifteen beautiful women between the ages of 51 and 66. Entertainment was provided by recording artist, David Patrick Bryan and Jason and Nancy Weintraub of the Weintraub Duo.

Joyce O’Brien won the first ever title of Ms. Golden America. Along with the title, she will receive a diamond solitaire necklace and a one week vacation for two to New Life Hiking Spa. New Life Hiking Spa is a nationally recognized and award winning destination spa in Killington, Vermont.

Jerri Kay, age 65, from Las Vegas, Nevada was first runner-up. Lauren Monahan, age 52, from Knoxville, Tennessee was second runner-up. Ms. Monahan was also the Pageantry Magazine Spirit Award winner and was presented with the award by Rafi Perez from Pageantry Magazine.

Ms. Golden America is currently selecting contestants for the 2006 pageant which will be held at the Harborside Event Center in Fort Myers, Florida on November 4, 2006. Entry information is available on www.msgoldenamerica.com or by calling 1-800-545-9407.

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