Rockville Fest and the Renaissance Faire!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

This morning/ afternoon I went to “Rockville Fest” in Rockville, CT. There was a car show, vendors, and entertainment for all of those who came to enjoy the event. The weather made the day even more perfect!




Saw Janet Peckinpaugh again! She is running for Congress, and she is very nice!

Grand Opening of Antonio's Restaurant! Such a sweet and hard-working family... The pizza looks delicious!


I had the opportunity to meet Jason McCoy- Mayor of Vernon!

After the festival, Gail and I headed to the Renaissance Faire in Hebron, CT. I had never been to a Renaissance Faire before, so I was in for a surprise! It was a day full of entertainment- with many shows and the workers who walked around stayed in character the entire time! They all made me feel so welcome and included me as part of their shows- My favorite was the jousting at the end of the day. I even got to sit with the King and Queen!

Learning how to throw an ax!!

Hanging out with some beautiful princesses :)


Princess Tea Party!

With the Pope!
For anyone who has not experienced a Renaissance faire before, I highly recommend it! This one, in Hebron is still going on for a few more weekends!

dance lesson/ Miss Chrysanthemum!

Friday, September 24
Dance rehearsal with Ilkar from 7-9am! It was early- but I brought the coffee so we were able to finish our final dance!






Tonight was the annual Miss Chrysanthemum pageant. I was Miss Mum in 2004 and I have been to see the pageant/ sing the national anthem every year since then. This year was no exception, other than the fact that I went as Miss Connecticut! They made me feel extra special. I saw many friends from Bristol that I haven't seen in a while and even our Mum festival Home Town Hero Sgt. Matt Lavoie! During the pageant I sang the national anthem and also the song "For Good" as the girls came out with their escorts at the end of the evening. I was also able to crown the first Jr. Miss Mum!

Congratulations to my sister who received first runner-up....and to the new Jr. Miss Mum and Olivia Kilbourne and Miss Chrysanthemum 2010 Aubrie Przybysz!!

Dance lesson/ Miss Mum rehearsal

Thursday September 23rd

Today I had a ballroom dance practice for MADD Dancing with the Stars event!! It is getting closer...


This evening I went to the dress rehearsal for the Miss Mum Pageant in Bristol. I gave all of the girls a pep-talk and wished them good luck. It was great to see some friends I haven't seen in a while :)

Connecticut Day at the Big E!

Wednesday, September 22nd
Today is a day I had been looking forward to for a while now… Connecticut Day at the Big E!! Lisa Little picked me up to be my chaperone for the day. I spent the first few hours there at the Connecticut building meeting and greeting those who came to visit our beautiful state building and to meet all the vendors. I also saw Governor Jodi Rell and other elected officials.



At 3:00 pm I had the stage to put on a show. Patty May helped me pick out a variety of different songs to sing and I was able to speak in between. Logan was also there to be with me, say a few words, and dance. Haleigh Costello and Peyton Troth introduced themselves on stage as well. There was a good amount of people gathered around to watch. My professor, Brenda Garton, and the woman I accompanied to Cambodia, MaryAnne Herron came to watch- which meant a lot to me. I received many compliments after my mini-show ☺.





At about 5pm there was a huge CT parade that went around the entire Big E! Logan and I rode in Ken Johnson’s red convertible- so much fun! After the parade, I even got to drive around a segway!! I spent the rest of the night, until 10 o’clock, walking around the rest of the big E meeting many new friends! I especially enjoyed visiting the other state buildings. I ended the evening with going to see the Vita-Mixer, an infamous blender that I have wanted forever- I could sit and watch the demonstration all night! (haha)
I love the fall season, fairs, and especially the Big E!!

Lone Oak Challenge Golf Tournament/ Miss America Lottery!

Monday Sept 20


This morning I was up in the northern part of the state- in East Canaan, CT. The area is so beautiful with the leaves beginning to change colors. I was there for the John F. Foley Lone Oak Challenge Golf Tournament to benefit the Canaan Fire Dept and the North Canaan Vol Ambulance Corp. I had a lot of fun helping with the raffles, talking to all of the golfers taking part in the tournament, and taking pictures with each team. I even got to flip burgers to prepare for lunch and best of all drive around the golf cart to visit the teams on the course! Roger Picard accompanied me today, so it was very nice to spend time with him!






Tonight was a very exciting night! After the golf tournament I headed right to Marla’s house to do the Miss America lottery to select my contestant number and group for Miss America! I have to say I was actually nervous! I sat there with two computers on my lap and a phone in my hand waiting for my name to appear on the screen for me to call in. Luckily I was picked 7th and I received the spot I wanted!!! I am in the “MU” group, contestant #16. I still can’t believe I am really going to Miss America!!

Wishes on Wheels!

Sunday Sept 19
Today was a very special day! A limo picked up my mom and I at our home to go to the Wishes on Wheels Event in Willington, CT. Joe Landry from Hy’s limousine donated his time to pick us for the event.


A friend, Katelin Bolduc- Miss Baystate, and her family invited me to this event. When I arrived, Joe rolled out a red carpet for me to make a grand entrance- it was very special! While I was there I met many children who have been touched by make-a-wish foundation, I helped to hand out trophies, and watched a monster truck show!


There were 468 trucks total (which beat last year’s count by one!) that made the trip down I-84 to make wishes come true for local children facing life-threatening medical conditions. The event is to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The preliminary count is totaling $70,000 but the even bigger story is the 200+ Make A Wish family members that attended and enjoyed the day!

Grand Opening: The Dancer's Shop!

Saturday Sept 18



Today I spent the day with Tom Prete for the grand opening of The Dancers Shop at his new location. The new store is huge- and set up beautifully! Many people came in to see the store and to make purchases. Logan was there and many from our Miss Connecticut family came to show their support.








Erin, from the board of directors came in with her father, Kevin, to surprise me with a beautiful crown box he is making for me... I was so excited- He did such a a great job!

This evening we all went out to dinner to celebrate!