The End of Summer: Fairs, Interviews, and a Fashion Show!

August 26, 2009 – Musical Theatre Workshop
I was invited by former Miss Minnesota, Vicki Kueppers, to help with a Musical Theatre workshop at St. Agnes School. Each year they put on a sing-a-thon and this year their theme was musical theatre. Since I am a musical theatre major, Vicki asked if I would share some of my knowledge with her students, and perform a few of my favorite songs.

I worked with the choir students at St. Agnes and they were divided into three groups of students. With each group I performed my talent song “Somebody to Love” from the Miss Minnesota pageant. After I performed I shared some thoughts on how the students would go about choosing a musical theatre song, and then the students sang for me. It was a fun afternoon and I cannot wait to see what the students chose to sing at the sing-a-thon.

August 27, 2009 – State Fair
Today was the opening day of the Minnesota State Fair! I don’t think I have ever been to the State Fair on opening day, but I guess a lot of people do go on the first day. The crowds were record breaking!


I learned one rule “do not put your crown and sash on and try to walk through the fair and get to your appearance on time”. Everyone wants a picture, so if you stop, a crowd forms. You could be standing taking pictures for 20 minutes and if it were not for my chaperone telling people I have to go, I would have never made it to Morrie’s Mazda Booth.

At Morrie’s my job was to get people to participate in the Morrie’s Idol Contestant. The song that participants had to sing was “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Even after the 10th time singing I still could not remember anything past the lyric… don’t worry, be happy

After Morrie’s I was off with my chaperone to Garage Logic with Joe Soucheray on KSTP 1500am for a radio interview. Again I was asked for pictures, but my Chaperone said we were running late (I am sorry to the 2 teen girls that wanted a picture, and hopefully I will see you again to take that picture!)


As I came into the little house that the Radio station was located in I saw a familiar face – Marjorie Johnson, famous for her baking, and she was also on Twin Cities Live with me. Marjorie was there to talk about one of her dishes that had won a ribbon at the fair. I love taking pictures with Marjorie because she is the only adult that makes me look tall in photos. The interview was a lot of fun. I was able to perform and talk about Children’s Miracle Network and my CD!

On my way out of the fair I ran into a Robot. Yes, a Robot. A crowd formed around us and the Robot decided to sing to me. It was fun to see the kids faces because the Robot was big and a little scary even for me.





August 30, 2009 – Stiftungfest
My Dad and I were up early to head to Norwood Young America, Minnesota for the celebration of the 148th Stiftungfest. It was so much fun taking part in their festival and I even learned a new dance, the chicken dance! Congratulations to the new royalty, and a huge thank you to the Stiftungfest committee for having me take part in this wonderful event!







September 2, 2009 – State Fair Day 2
Who knew that people would be at the State Fair at 7 o’clock in the morning! I had an interview on WCCO Radio with Dave Lee at 7 AM. I want to give a shout out to my business manager for this one, Thanks Barb!!!!!

Here is a recording of my WCCO radio:http://podcast.830wcco.com/wcco/1933874.mp3

September 4, 2009 – State Fair Day 3
My third and final day at the State Fair started out on a high note! My Chaperone and I found a front row parking spot! I had an interview with Lori and Julia from Radio Station 107.1. I was a little worried about the kind of questions they would ask me because they like to get the scoop on things. Mary Pawlenty, the governor’s wife went on before me and I was glad I had time to hear the questions that they were asking her. During the interview I was able to sing a sample of “Don’t You Dare” from my CD, and they wanted to know all about the CD. We talked about American Idol, Simon Cowell, and Miss America. They asked how much my dress will cost for Miss America, and then even offered to come shop with me! I hope to talk with them again before Miss America in January.



My last interview was at The Patriot radio station. All of the radio stations at the fair have these cute little houses that have a front porch where you sit and do your interview. The Patriot had a really cute house decorated in red, white and blue. During the interview the audience could ask questions. This was great practice for my Miss America interview because you have no idea what people will ask. While I was answering questions a group of teen girls stayed and cheered for me. After doing a number of interviews you start to wonder if anybody is really listening to you so I really love when people do cheer and come up to me after and take the time to wish me good luck at Miss America. I am so honored to represent this state and all the young women in it.



I want to thank my friend Mary who lives in Texas and listens to my radio interviews and always calls me after and tells me good job. Mary has been a great supportive friend and it’s so important to have a great friend in your life. Thanks Mary.

September 11th, 2009 – Around Town Filming
My day started out with a fitting at the Mall of America for the Twin Cities Live fashion show. They are doing a back to school section, and how to find the bargains! I wish they let the models keep the clothing they wear!

For the rest of the afternoon I was filming at Caponi Art Park for this month’s episode of Around Town with Carla Beaurline. She invited me to be a host for the show that will air Wednesday evening September 16th. I talked with Carla before the shoot and she told me I could pick the place to film. I thought the Caponi Ark Park would be perfect because I love to perform, and it would be such a beautiful location.



We spent the next two hours filming the show. Thank you to producer Randy for making sure Carla and me always looked our best. While we were there we ran into Mr. Caponi himself, who I had met previously when I performed with Dakota Valley Summer Pops Orchestra. He even let us interview him on camera! Then we jumped on his golf cart and received a private tour of his studio where he creates the works of art in the sculpture garden. Thank you again to Carla for giving me the opportunity to host with her. I look forward to seeing the final product! Tune in on Wednesday night at 7PM on cable channel 6 for the premiere of the show. You can visit http://www.around-town.tv/ for show times and more information on the show!

September 12th, 2009 – Glitz Grand Opening
Saturday was the grand reopening for Glitz a dress store in the Mall of America. The store moved locations from the first floor to the third floor outside of Nordstrom’s department store. The store is bigger and even has a runway built in the middle of the store.

Glitz is a sponsor of the Miss Minnesota pageant and a portion of the proceeds from the sales of the grand opening will go towards Children Miracles network.

I arrived at the store around 10 AM to meet up with Bethany Pearson, Ms. You Can Do It for Minnesota, and Andrea from Gillette’s. They both helped me set up everything for my CD, and the CMN table in the store. Bethany Pearson is such an incredible girl. I had such a blast getting to know her, and she kept me laughing the whole day! She is such an inspiration.

Along with supporting Children’s Miracle Network, Bethany and I were invited to participate in the fashion show for Glitz grand reopening. We were able to wear three beautiful dresses and walk the runway. It was such a fun day, and thank you to Maryanne, the owner of Glitz and her entire staff for making this possible.


Always
Brooke