Pink Snuggies, Limo Golf Carts and Cancelled Flights... just a typical week as Miss Minnesota!

Flight to Orlando: 1,308 miles
Flight Home from Orlando: 1,308 miles
Flight to Atlanta: 908 miles
Flight Home from Atlanta: Delayed… miles pending.

As I sit in the airport waiting for my flight to Minneapolis to take off I realized that in the past five days I have been in five different states. I can only imagine that this is what Katie Stam (Miss America 2009) life must be like.

August 11, 2009 – MAOT Preliminary Night

On the first preliminary night, Katlyn (Minnesota’s Outstanding Teen) competed in evening gown and onstage question. The teens put on a great show, and Katlyn just nailed her onstage question! That evening at the preliminary pageant about 30 Miss America titleholders attended the pageant. We were all laughing that for the next few days our names might be Minnesota, or Wisconsin or New Jersey until we got to know each other better.

August 12, 2009 – Universal Studios
All the titleholders were up bright and early for filming for the TLC special. We stopped at Sea World, for a group photo, and then it was back on the bus to Universal Studios. I love going to amusement parks because I love to ride the rides, last summer I performed at an amusement park and after being there all day working I would stay late, just to go on rides for free.

I have been to Universal Studios on a family vacation and my two brothers and I would get the fast pass so we could go again and again. Who knew that all I needed to do was put a sash and crown on, and I could be a VIP and not wait in any lines! The first ride of the day was the Simpson Ride, which is a simulator. I rode with Pennsylvania, Arizona, Washington, South Carolina, and North Carolina in the simulator. We were so excited we started to take pictures, but then the ride shut down. I think we might have accidentally broken the ride with all the photos we were taking. Let’s just say we had a great laugh about this afterwards. The rest of the day was filled with rides: The Incredible Hulk, Dueling Dragons, Return of the Mummy, and Spiderman.

Thank goodness we had time to freshen up before the Wednesday night preliminary. In our gift bags we received Miss America baseball caps with their official logo on it; I put mine on to hide my hair from a day out in the humid weather. As I was trying to sneak back to my hotel room to get ready for the event that evening and go do my hair repair, I ran into Miss America Katie Stam! She was staying just down the hall from me!

One thing I learned about Florida in August is that it is very humid. My hair wasn’t sure what to do, go flat or frizzy. This called for a trip to the closest CVS to pick up some hair care products that hold in the humid weather. When I was back in my room Jennifer who was my Miss Minnesota chaperone that week was a little concerned when I started spraying my hair, the room stared to get a little foggy.

At the Outstanding Teen Prelim, Katlyn did her physical fitness and she wore a cute workout outfit designed just for the Teens. Both Tuesday and Wednesday night pageant preliminaries were emceed by Sierra Minott, Miss Florida 2008, she shared some of her experiences at Miss America. That night after the pageant we had an official meeting for Miss America. We were able to meet the board, and find out more about the TLC taping. We also took a group photo with our (H20) water. Miss America 2010 is Going Green! Each Miss America contestant would be filming a green commercial in the next couple of days.

August 13, 2009 – TLC Taping
Up early the next morning in our matching “Going Green” t-shirts all of the titleholders jumped in the pool. Well, we didn’t jump… but we did dip our toes in and took a group photo. Then it was time for filming for TLC. We had a meet and greet with Sam Haskell and Miss America Katie Stam. Then it was one quick interview for TLC and then a nice long break until my official TLC interview for the website. I was off to have lunch with my Mom. It was my parent’s 26th wedding anniversary and my Dad surprised my Mom by flying in on a red eye flight from LA to Orlando. So Dad was at the pool with my little brother and Mom and I planned to meet up with them later.



My mom and I had arrived in Orlando on Tuesday to meet with Regalia and look at evening gowns for my Miss America Competition wardrobe. After a nice lunch and catching up we were off to the trade show to LaCasaHermosa, they asked if I would be in their filming for the TLC Program trying on gowns. I loved the gowns they had on the mannequins and would have loved to try on the red gown with the beads with wire that went around the neck. I tried on a black gown that was very old Hollywood. After the taping we stopped over to the Regalia booth and talked with David and went up to the Regalia suite with him. In the suite was Jasmine Murray from American Idol who was singing the national anthem that evening at the teen pageant. We had a chance to discuss our American Idol experience since we were both 16 at the time. I was on season 5 she was on season 7.

Before the Outstanding Teen Pageant that evening we went to Maggiano’s with the board. Maggiano’s had designed a special menu for us. All the Miss titleholders have been going from one thing to another and it was fun to sit and talk to each other. Seated at the table with me were Connecticut, Hawaii, Vermont, New Hampshire, Arizona, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas.


At the Outstanding Teen Preliminary Katlyn’s performed her talent, a beautiful Spanish piano piece. She did a fantastic job and I was so proud of her. My favorite part of the evening was the disco production number. Katlyn had described the outfits they were going to wear and when I saw the stage full of teens in neon jump suits, I loved it. I was bummed to hear that they were not able to keep the jump suits. I thought maybe Katlyn would let me wear it to the next local pageant for my talent costume. I could sing a disco song.

August 14, 2009 – Miss America Fundraiser
I had the day free until the evening. My family came to Florida for a little vacation before my brother heads back to school so I joined them for the day at Universal Studios. One big difference from when I went two days earlier… waiting in line. When I was with the Miss America group we went in through the exit line as VIP’s. Well this day I had no crown or sash, which meant waiting in 45 minute, long lines. We were able to make it to two rides before I had to head back to the hotel to get ready for the evening events. First up was The Incredible Hulk, we convinced my Mom to go on with us. My Mom usually doesn’t like to go on rides that go fast, or your feet dangle 100’s of feet in the air upside down. After we got off she didn’t speak for a little while, I don’t think she enjoyed the ride. That was her only ride of the day!!!! She told me she kept her eyes closed the entire time and prayed for it to be over. So when we walked over to the Dueling Dragons ride she decided she would find a bench to sit and wait for us.

That evening we were invited to the Siegel residence for a fundraiser for the Miss America Program. After our bus ride (sitting next to bus buddy Miss Wisconsin) we jumped on what I like to call “limo golf carts” and headed over to the estate. We enjoyed food, an amazing desserts table, a live auction, and dancing. It was a great evening to meet sponsors and guest from all over the country. I enjoyed talking to the guests from Minnesota. After a four-hour event we headed back to our “limo golf carts” which led us to our buses, which took us back to the hotel.



August 15, 2009 – Orientation and Final night of Miss America’s Outstanding Teen
In the morning we had an orientation with the Miss America Board to hear about the plans for Las Vegas. Miss America Katie Stam also took the time to speak with us about her schedule and what it takes to be Miss America.

At the end of our meeting we were given goodie bags from the Miss Americas Outstanding Teen Sponsors. I loved the pink snuggie and used it on the plane ride home. The bag was full of great items that I brought home that I could use.

That evening they set up tables before the final show for all the state titleholders to sign autographs. I sat next to Miss Arkansas, Sarah and it was fun getting to know her a little bit better


The final pageant was a wonderful show. I sat next to Ashley, Miss New Jersey, who had a great evening! Her teen was 1st runner up and I loved her excitement whenever Brenna advanced to the next phase of competition. Congratulations to Jeanette Morelan, Miss America’s Outstanding Teen 2010 from Wisconsin!





August 16-19, 2009 - Craziness
My family and I flew home on Sunday and had a fast turn around. My mom and I unpacked, and then packed back up for the Atlanta Mart. I was invited down to the Atlanta Mart to meet with a few designers to look for wardrobe for the Miss America Pageant. My Mom and I got to go before the Mart was open and the designers were just getting the show rooms set up. First we met up with Sarah Moses who owns Michael’s Pageant Shop who was also at the Atlanta mart and came with us to our meeting with Sherri Hill.

Then we met with Carry from Regalia who joined us at our meeting with Tony Bowls. Tony Bowls contacted me before the mart to come down so we could discuss designing a gown. It was so much fun being at the Mart and getting first look at all the gowns before the mart was open. I have never seen so many dresses in my life!

After meeting with Tony Bowls, Mom and I had lunch and then met with Carry from Regalia again at Jovani. I was so excited to see the Jovani gowns because my talent gown was a Jovani. I met a girl who works for Jovani that I knew from a pageant when I was 10 years old. It was fun to laugh about how we were back then and how much we have changed. The Jovani staff and models were all excited about my CD that I recorded for Children Miracle network and had me sign copies for them. Then they blasted the music in the showroom!

It was a long day of trying on hundreds of dresses, but I think I found a couple great pieces to add to my wardrobe for Miss America pageant. After sitting and talking with Carry (who spent the day with us) we were ready to go back to the hotel. I had no idea that we were at the mart trying on clothes from 9 to 5:30 and I was tired. After the long day my mom and I crashed at the hotel and had a flight home in the morning.

The weather was perfect in Atlanta, Georgia but not so perfect in Minneapolis. We took a short flight to Charlotte, North Carolina and were suppose to jump on a flight home. First the flight was delayed an hour, then two hours, then three, and then four and then cancelled. Thank goodness my father was already on it and got my mom and me on a 10:15 PM flight.

Sooooo……1 PM… what does a mother and daughter do for 8 hours in an airport? First we had to go and pick up our luggage that we checked and go back to ticketing to recheck it to the 10:15 flight to Minneapolis. After checking our bag I asked if they could give me a pass for the US Airways lounge so my Mom and I could sit and wait, and I could plug in my phone and computer. John Cameron the agent at US Airways who graciously gave us meal vouchers for the day tried to get his supervisor to let us in, I even tried the “I am Miss Minnesota” but it didn’t work. For the next 8 hours we walked the entire airport going through every souvenir shop. At one point of the day we rested in rocking chairs with some frozen yogurt we shared. I spent most of my time looking for plugs to charge my phone and computer and would go sit on the floor and write my blog. My Mom was reading Sam Haskell’s book that we purchase at the teen pageant in Orlando. She did finish it before we got on the plane to head home. Thank goodness our 10:15 PM flight left on time and we were back in Minnesota by 1 AM.

August 21, 2009 – My Golden Birthday
The Kilgarriff family has a tradition of giving the birthday person breakfast in bed for their birthday. We also must wear this birthday hat that my mom purchased years ago that lights up and plays music. I have many photos of me in that hat. I hope my mom never shows those pictures to anyone because if you can imagine what your hair and face look like when you first wake up then you know what I look like in those photos.

I had a fundraiser that evening at the Epic Center, and a good friend of the family, Linda, offered to do my hair for the event. She did a wonderful job and thank you to her kids Sammi, and Austin for helping out as well. I believe my little brother even took a photo of Austin holding a clip in my hair!

My Mom and Dad came with me that evening to the event called The Breast Party which was a fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Awareness Association at the Epic center downtown Minneapolis. I performed with the band, The Remnants (the band members are all doctors!). They learned my music to my two original songs for this event. It was a great way to spend my birthday sharing my talents with breast cancer survivors. I heard incredible stories from survivors and convince some people to take a vacation to Las Vegas (right around Miss America). A special thank you to Amy Marie, for letting me be a part of this event and having the band play Happy Birthday to me.

Always
Brooke

Running with the Celts

It is Midnight, and I am writing the last blog before I head out to Orlando. This just shows how dedicated I am to this blog! This past weekend has been non-stop with the CD sales, Irish Fair and packing for Orlando… oh wait, that still has not happened yet!

August 6, 2009 – Pick up Children Miracle Network CD’s
The CD’s were not supposed to be ready until Friday, but I received a phone call Thursday morning informing me they were ready for pick up! My mom, little brother and I jumped into the car and headed to Coon Rapids. We were preparing ourselves for heavy lifting of the CD boxes, but we should have known they would have had a cart that took it right out to our car. I am so excited that I have all the CD’s and they are ready for sale!

August 7, 2009 – Irish Fair (Day One)
When you hear the last name Kilgarriff, you can just tell that I am Irish. I was delighted when I was asked to sing the National Anthem at the Opening Ceremonies of the Irish Fair. I got there a bit early so I could watch the Irish Step Dancers (always a secret dream of mine to be one!) and then the rugby games. I met up with Emily, Megan and Sarah of the Winter Carnival Royalty and Mr. Saint Patrick himself. We did a mini parade through the festival grounds ending at the River Theatre. After I sang the National Anthem, the Irish Anthem was sung. I wish I knew the Ireland Anthem, because it sounds so cool! Maybe next year at the fair I can sing not only the National Anthem but the Irish one too. Thankfully my family and I got out of there just in time before the weather acted up.

August 8, 2009 – Irish Fair (Day Two)

Here in Minnesota every weekend there is a 5k SOMEWHERE. The Irish Fair also had a run and I wanted to run in it (after my awesome time at the Torchlight run, how could I resist?) Well as soon as they found out that I was Miss Minnesota, they wanted my role in the race to be much bigger. For some reason they must of thought I was an avid runner since they asked me to start the race off. My dad and I showed up that morning ready for a nice run, and this time I came much more prepared! I had my hair already tied back, and I thought wearing just my sash would be easier to run in. As I stepped up to the starting line I was surrounded by what looked to be Olympic Runners. I knew I was doomed. Then of course, the announcer mentions my name, and that if they beat me they can brag to their friends they beat Miss Minnesota in a 5K. I think that motivated everyone, because as soon as they said go… everyone sprinted. Now, I have done a couple 5K’s, and I always thought that you wanted to conserve your energy in the beginning and sprint at the end… I guess I have a lot of learning to do.

I finished the race in… Twenty Two Minutes and 40 seconds. Yes, 8 seconds slower than my Torchlight run but I have an explanation! As I mentioned earlier I thought it would be easier to run with my sash on… negative. It falls right off which means it took me about 10-15 seconds to take it off and slip it into my backpack. So when you really think about it, I actually beat my time, but the sash just held me back.

Miss South Central/ Waseca County Sleigh and Cutter

My mom and I drove an hour to the Miss SC/WCSC local pageant. It was nice to have such a short drive since the weekend before it was 6 hours to Thief River Falls. This was the first local pageant that I was not only going to sell CD’s, but sing one of the original songs! We announced it as the World Premiere of “Don’t You Dare”... It was actually quite surreal for me because at one point during the performance I realize this was my song and I had to keep myself from crying on stage. Good thing the song has an inspirational message so I hope people just thought I was really getting into the song. Thank you to everyone who purchased CDs that night and being there for its debut.

Congratulations to Aja Majkrzak the new Miss South Central and Molly Jewison the New Miss Waseca County Sleigh & Cutter!

August 9, 2009 – Irish Fair (Day Three)
Oh, yes I was back at the Irish Fair. They had a Mass early in the morning and asked me to perform one of the original songs, “Don’t You Dare.” I was so excited to be able to share this song with the crowd that morning.

I raced home for a quick costume change and then it was off to the Target Center to sing the National Anthem at the Minnesota Lynx Game. Performing in the Target Center = Incredible! I cannot wait to go back for a T-Wolves game!
It is now 12:27…. I am impressed that I wrote this blog in 27 minutes. There you have it short and sweet! Now I must sleep… oh wait, I still need to pack.

Also CDs are ready for sale! Pick up your copy at www.musicbuildingblocks.com and support Children's Miracle Network!

Brooke

Orlando - Here She Comes!

August 5th, 2009 - Outstanding Teen Send off Party

Last night was Katlyn, Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen's send off
party. I was asked to emcee the event, at the Seasons restaurant. Katlyn’s family and Directors did a great job putting this event together. They even had the Mayor of Coon Rapids there to greet me!



Before the program started we enjoyed a social hour during which I was able to visit with some familiar faces, including my local director Kathy Shellum! She shared with me her ideas and plans for this Miss Twin Cities Pageant for this year. (This is the local I won to head to Miss Minnesota.)


I have emceed the Miss Eagan Ambassador Program for the past six
years, and some other local charity events so I know the most important thing about emceeing is to be prepared to fill. You can never have too much filler!! Good thing I have stories in my back pocket to tell especially when I noticed that it was taking Katlyn about 5 minutes to change, which is quite impressive while putting on a fully beaded evening gown!!









While preparing for this evening I was brushing up on Katlyn's paperwork. I had no idea she was such a talented bowler! During the event I brought her older brother up to talk to him and question him about his bowling skills. I am sure he was not expecting to be call up to speak, but I know my brother is always there for me at these pageant things and I wanted to give him his 15 minutes of fame. Now he can go back and tell his friends he had a conversation with Miss Minnesota about bowling scores. I hope he doesn’t share my score with anyone! After seeing all of Katlyn's wardrobe and her incredible talent I have no doubt in my mind that she will represent Minnesota well at nationals!

I have a busy weekend before Florida. I will be performing at the
Irish Fest on Friday evening and then running the Celts 5k on Saturday
morning (without the crown and sash!) Saturday evening is the Miss
Waseca/South Central Pageant. Sunday morning I'm back to the Irish
fest for their mass and the Sunday night I will sing the National Anthem
for the Minnesota Lynx Game.

Always,
Brooke

Did You Come From Disney Land?

August 2nd, 2009 - Miss Thief River Falls

I cannot believe that it is already August! This summer is just flying by. I was invited to the Miss Thief River Falls pageant, a new local this year, as they were celebrating 60 years of their program. You are probably asking yourself how a local can be new and celebrating 60 years. The last Miss Thief River Falls was crowned in 2004, and they have not had a pageant since. With the help of Olive Goldesberry and her committee the program was bought back to give another girl an opportunity to experience Miss Minnesota.



My dad and I embarked on our five and a half hour drive that morning and made it just in time for the pageant. I meet the 5 amazing contestants but also the reigning Miss Thief River Falls Sarah (Zak) Mickelson. Lucky girl, she was able to keep her title for almost five years! I loved how she came back and even did her talent during the show!

Congratulations to the new Miss Thief River Falls Kaitlyn Maurstad!

August 4th, 2009 Gillette Fireman’s Carnival and National Night Out




This was the 50th year of the Fireman’s Carnival! It was wonderful to see all the firefighters helping out at this event, and the Gillette Volunteers who donate their time. There were games, prizes, face painting, a petting zoo and ponies for the children at Gillette’s to enjoy.



My favorite part was the Therapy dog, Sasha, was pulling kids around in a wagon. She even gave me a ride, and it was a mini parade during the carnival! The face-painting booth was a crowd favorite. All the girls had these beautiful butterflies painted on, if I didn’t have an appearance that evening I would have gotten one!









Since I volunteer at Gillette’s every week I saw a lot of volunteers and families that I work with. Most of them did not recognize me since I was actually wearing makeup, and had a crown and sash on. Maybe now they will let me wear my crown every week ☺




National Night Out



I was invited to Crossroads at Penn for their huge celebration. They had me sing, sign autographs, and take pictures. My favorite quote from the evening: “So if you are a real princess, did you come from Disney land?” I think the little boy was a bit disappointed when he found out I was just from Eagan, Minnesota.

Turkey Days

July 25th and 26th, 2009 - Miss Frazee Pageant

My Dad and I headed up north to Frazee to The Palace Café (owned by the Mayfield Family) to join the Judges dinner for the Miss Frazee pageant. Alyssa Mayfield was last year’s Miss Minnesota Outstanding Teen and her family was so gracious to host us at their Café. It was fun seeing all the familiar faces including this year’s Outstanding Teen Katlyn Ziegler! We chatted about her preparations for Nationals in Orlando. I will be emceeing her sendoff party on August 5th at the Seasons Restaurant.

The Miss Frazee committee incorporated the Outstanding Teen program this year into their Pageant. They had 5 girls for the Teen division and 5 for the Miss. Before the show started all the girls were getting their hair done by a backstage helper, Carrie.



Over the last couple of months as Miss Twin Cities and now as Miss Minnesota I have worked really hard at learning to style my hair. My hair is good some days but like everyone else Miss Minnesota has bad hair days. Before being crowned my hair was either in a ponytail or fingered-through curly hair. I was so grateful when Carrie offered to do my hair! I love it when someone else is in charge of the hair!!!!

During the Frazee pageant I sang Somewhere over the Rainbow on the runway they had (just like the Miss America stage in Atlantic City!) Somewhere over the Rainbow had become the song that everyone wanted me to sing when I would go and perform, so it was fun to sing it that night for the Frazee audience. Congratulations to Tiffany Peterson, Miss Frazee and Elizabeth, Miss Frazee’s Outstanding Teen.



After the pageant was over they had a nice after party at their social hall. My dad and I made a quick appearance before we headed back to the hotel to crash. Out of all the local pageants my mom attends, I cannot believe she missed this one. The hotel we stayed at had a beach and a spa!!

The next morning, before the Frazee parade, my Dad and I had time for a nice workout and relax outside. All the Royalty met up before hand for a lunch.



I was ecstatic when I found out that I did not have to ride in the parade alone because Katlyn (Miss Outstanding Teen) and I were sharing the same car! The other exciting thing…. CANDY! I have done a couple parades as Miss Minnesota and I am always stuck behind the float where they throw TONS of candy. The kids are all excited and then when they see me they say, oh just another queen ☺ Well, not this parade!!




I was going to be the one everyone was excited for because I had tons of candy! Katlyn and I did get a little too happy about throwing the candy because we almost went through a whole bag on the first turn. Thankfully our driver, Randy was able to coach us through it.

The last thing to accomplish in Frazee was to take a picture with the World’s Largest Turkey. My dad and I snapped a few before departing. The entire Frazee community was so welcoming and accommodating, and I truly loved my stay.



July 27th, 2009
Meeting – Alice Seagren Commissioner of Education for the State of Minnesota


My platform is Music: The Building Blocks of Education, I asked my Dad if he was able to setup a meeting for me through his contacts with the Commissioner of Education. I wanted to present my platform to her and discuss how I could be an advocate to schools for music education. I was fortunate that Ms. Seagren was able to make time for me.

I presented to her information about my platform and what my plans were as Miss Minnesota. She provided me with some very valuable tools to further my platform. I am looking forward to meeting with her again to discuss more regarding Arts Education and how I can be an advocate for Music Education in Minnesota.


July 28th, 2009 – Hair Cut and Sponsor Thank you’s

I met with Rod at The Hair District to talk about my Miss America look. I still cannot believe that in 6 months I will be in Las Vegas for the Miss America Pageant. I know that Rod is going to make my hair look fabulous.

After receiving the royal treatment, Rod and I went around the block to thank the sponsors for the Miss Minnesota Program. During Miss Minnesota week, in our production outfit dresses, we traveled to all the sponsors and took photos. The state board decided to have Miss Minnesota hand deliver all the photos and thank you notes.

First stop: Max’s. During Miss Minnesota week we received chocolate at the store, we all loved it. Hey, it was a sponsor and we all had to eat it!



Next up: Laredo’s. I had an incredible salad there during Miss Minnesota week, and this is also where I had the conversation with Rylee in the sound proof bathrooms. ☺

Third stop: RejoovMe. I received gift certificates for floating sessions, what a wonderful way to relax before Miss America!

Next stop: Panera. I have to admit this is one of my favorite places to eat. They supplied a wonderful lunch for all the local titleholders during Miss Minnesota week and I love their incredible Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich, delicious.

Last visit: OPM. What a beautiful store, I will be able to shop for a cocktail dress which I plan to use at Miss America.


July 29th, 2009 – Finalizing the CD

Today was rather exciting since I was heading to Darren’s at Skyland Studios to pick up the master copy of the Children’s Miracle Network CD. Darren is the best. He knew that I had a tight deadline getting the CD to Vision Van Gogh to get the CD done on time so he stayed up until 4:30 am WORKING ON IT. (We just missed one another on ichat, since I was up at 5 AM for the gym!)



My mom, little brother and I headed to Darren’s to listen to the master copies of all the songs, and I will admit I was a little tear-eyed when he handed me the official copy. Darren and I spent very long days in his studio working on the CD, and I will miss our sessions. Now that the CD was in my hands, we headed to Coon Rapids to drop it off at Vision Van Gogh. They are putting everything together, the artwork, music, and packaging. Next time I see the CD it will be all complete and ready for sale.

Always,
Brooke