Information, Requirements and Pageant Details
The MSMC pageant will be held on October 10 at The Whole Backstage Theatre in Guntersville, with a full dress rehearsal on October 9. While not required, contestants are encouraged to secure sponsors to help support the event, with sponsorships due by September 15. Friends, family, local businesses, and church communities are often very willing and supportive in this effort.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we also welcome donated merchandise for swag bags—every contribution helps offset the costs of hosting this special event. In addition, proceeds from the “People’s Choice” award will be donated to Marshall County Meals on Wheels to support our homebound seniors.
This event is made possible through your contribution in securing donations, ticket sales and with the help of our amazing volunteers. Your support is greatly appreciated and can help change a senior woman's life . Thank you!
Information regarding the attached “Bio/Resume” questionnaire
DUE BY AUGUST 25th AT THE SECOND WORKSHOP
We’ll go over your bio/resume requirements in detail at the first workshop on July 28, but for now, begin thinking about what you would include on a professional resume. Don’t worry—there will be plenty of time to refine and polish your responses. Please begin carefully considering your responses, as this document is very important and may help determine the winners. Keep your answers upbeat and encouraging, and include any information you feel is meaningful—judges will draw interview questions from your Bio/Resume.
Your responses will also be used to create your on-stage introduction and program book listing. You may submit your forms online under the Bio/Resume menu option after the first workshop discussion.
If you need assistance due to limited access to a computer, or experience, please ask someone to help. Be sure to use the space provided in the document, and don’t hesitate to reach out to Dawn or Melissa if you need support.
Example: Career Background — Model, Accounting, Author, Poultry Farmer, Homemaker, etc.
This allows the judges to ask follow-up questions such as: Where did you model? When did you begin? When were you in finance, and what roles did you hold? Are you a published author—what are the names of your books? Tell us more about your farm. You don’t need to share everything—leave a little intrigue so the judges are encouraged to learn more about you.
The following pages outline the full pageant process—please keep them handy for reference. If you have any questions, Dawn, Melissa, or Dore will be glad to assist and review any details with you.
Contestants will perform an “opening number” featuring a simple, fun (child-like) dance routine to kick off the show. This is a great way to break the ice, calm nerves, and begin building connections. It’s one of the main ways everyone bonds, gets to know one another, and forms a true sense of sisterhood.
We understand it takes courage to step on stage, and many participants say this becomes their favorite part of the experience. You’ll have a blast performing on the big stage! We’re committed to making it fun and creative, and we plan to have a lead singer(s) join us and participate in some of the workshops as well.
Pageant Venue Details – Location, Date, and Time
The pageant will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with a full dress rehearsal on Friday, October 9. The event will take place at The Whole Backstage Theatre, located at 1120 Rayburn Avenue in Guntersville.
Ms. Senior Marshall County is excited to return to this beautiful community theatre, which features 330 seats and spacious dressing rooms with individual mirrors and lighting. There is ample space for our photographer to set up backstage near the dressing rooms, allowing us to capture photos of you in each outfit before you step on stage. The dressing rooms are also equipped with closed-circuit TV, so you can follow the show as it unfolds.
Workshops, Deadlines, Rehearsal and Pageant Day Details
There will be three important workshops (with a bonus session available for those interested) held prior to the dress rehearsal. Each workshop will run from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., follow a structured agenda, and take place at the Marshall County R.S.V.P., 19272 US Hwy 431 in Guntersville.
The first workshop, on July 28, will serve as an orientation. We will review outfit requirements and additional forms, determine titles, take group and individual photos, get acquainted, and meet the coaches.
The second workshop, on August 25, is when your Bio/Resume form is due. During this session, we will begin learning the opening number routine and practice stage introductions, walks, and turns. We may also take additional photos for social media.
The third workshop, on September 15, will include a full opening number rehearsal, mock interviews, and a review of best practices for interviews and the on-stage question. We will also go over all pageant details for Friday and Saturday (October 9 and 10). Sponsorship paperwork is due at this time.
**October 6 is a BONUS workshop for anyone who feels they may need a little more practice or girl time.
All sponsor donations are due by the third workshop on September 15 (or earlier) to allow adequate time for designing and printing the program. The program will be provided free of charge at the door.
The full dress rehearsal will take place on Friday, October 9,
beginning at 12:30 p.m.
Please unload all of your items into the dressing rooms and get set up at The Whole Backstage Theatre. We will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. with the opening number and run the full show in order of appearance using a script. We anticipate finishing around 4:00–4:30 p.m.
INTERVIEWS AND PAGEANT WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY,
OCTOBER 10 BEGINNING AT 9:30 (contestant #1)
Your interview will take place in the morning, last approximately five minutes, and you will be assigned a specific time. Following interviews, a lunch will be provided, and you will rehearse the opening number once more at 1:00 p.m.
The pageant will begin at 2:00 p.m., with doors opening at 1:30. A cookie and lemonade reception will follow, offering time to visit and take photos. A professional photographer will be present throughout the day, and you are encouraged to pose in each outfit and invite your family to join you for group photos during the reception. A contact sheet will be provided afterward for ordering additional prints.
Nine Chances to Win – We Give Out Prizes
Nine awards will be presented on pageant day, each including a certificate or trophy along with a quality gift basket generously provided by our sponsors. Honors include:
1, 2 Two Queens—Ms. Super Senior Marshall County (ages 70+) and Ms. Senior Marshall County (ages 60–69)
3, 4. 1st Runner-Up for each division,
5. Ms. Congeniality,
6. Most Tickets Sold,
7. Most Sponsorship Dollars Raised,
8. People’s Choice (voted on by the audience), and
9. Most Photogenic (selected by our photographer, Scott Cribbs).
With so many opportunities, your chances of receiving an award are both strong and attainable.
What Happens if YOU are Crowned a “Queen”
The two Queens (overall winners) of the Ms. Senior Marshall County Pageant will receive a custom crown, sash, trophy, and a variety of generous prizes from our sponsors. During your year of reign, we ask that you make every effort to attend local events coordinated by the Board. We will assist in arranging appearances such as parades, Chamber of Commerce events, charity functions, grand openings, and fashion shows. As a Queen, you will represent Marshall County by wearing your sash, connecting with other women, sharing information, encouraging future contestants, and promoting our senior program.
This year, MSMC will not automatically advance Queens to the 2027 Ms. Senior Alabama (MSA) pageant. Instead, each Queen will receive a $500 cash award to help cover expenses such as outfits, travel, and other pageant-related costs during your year of service. If you are interested in competing in the 2028 MSA pageant, we will be happy to guide and support you through that process.
The Ms. Senior Marshall County Board of Directors (five women and three men) sincerely thanks you for participating in this “just for fun” pageant. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Dawn Hagstrom, Producer/Pageant Director, at 256-738-5886, or Melissa Shoemake (Ms. Senior Marshall County 2023), Assistant Pageant Director, at
256-527-4563. We are here to support you every step of the way.
2026 Ms. Senior Marshall County
Wardrobe Requirements
We highly recommend you wear nylons, shape wear & support bras
1. Judges’ Interview:
The interview will take place on the day of the pageant, with your five-minute time slot determined by your contestant number. Plan to wear business-style attire, as you would for a job interview or keynote appearance. A dress, suit with a jacket, or pantsuit is ideal. Be sure your outfit allows you to sit comfortably—avoid crossing your legs. Closed-toe shoes and tasteful jewelry can enhance your overall look.
This is your first impression with the judges, so remember to smile, sit up straight, make eye contact, and keep your responses clear and concise. We will practice with mock interviews during a workshop, as this is a high-scoring category.
2. Opening Number:
This is the same outfit you will wear for publicity photos on August 25. For this year’s pageant theme, please wear solid white pants (slacks or capris) paired with red or black to (red/black/white jewelry). Complete the look with white or black flat shoes or low-heeled sandals—be sure you are comfortable moving and dancing in them.
We will rehearse the routine together several times prior to the pageant, and a video will be provided so you can practice at home.
3. Active Wear:
This outfit should highlight your fun, casual side and reflect a personal theme. It should represent how you stay active—such as tennis, golf, hula hooping, fishing, exercising, or walking your dog. You may carry one prop and incorporate a simple action to express your activity.
For example, if you play tennis, you might wear a tennis outfit and carry or lightly swing a racket while modeling your look.
4. Fashion Runway:
This category is your opportunity to showcase your modeling skills. Think of professional models confidently walking the runways of New York or Paris, highlighting their outfits with style and presence. Appropriate choices include jumpsuits with trains, cocktail dresses with trains, rhinestone or sequin dresses, or stylish pants ensembles—please note that evening gowns are not permitted in this category.
The more fashionable and flowy, the better! Feel free to elevate something from your closet by adding elements like a train, hat, gloves, cape, overcoat, or bold statement jewelry. Most importantly—have fun and let your personality shine!
5. Evening Gown & On-Stage Question:
This is your opportunity to showcase elegance and glamour in a beautiful evening gown and coordinating jewelry. Your gown should be long and formal, paired with shoes you can walk in comfortably—flats are perfectly acceptable. Many contestants choose gowns with sparkle, beading, or embellishments. If you plan to wear heels, be sure to practice walking in them ahead of time.
During this portion, you will model your gown and then approach the microphone to answer an on-stage question. You will receive the list of questions in advance to help you prepare.
We hope you’ll consider registering for the Ms. Senior Marshall County Pageant and joining us on a fun and memorable journey. Together, we’ll create moments you’ll cherish for years to come. Our Board of Directors has proudly produced this pageant for 12 years, working diligently to ensure a well-organized, professional event you can be proud to be part of. We would love to see you there!