Pageant with a Purpose Planned in Grass Valley

Pictured, the majority of the contestants
 competing in the 3/28 pageant. Guys and 
Gals ages 3 to 60 are pictured with Pageant
 Director, Melisa Mistler, and volunteers
 Gale Pylman of Angels and Alchemy and 
Lisa D Taylor of Taylor and Associates.
Photo provided by Joy Porter of Winding Road Imagery.

On March 27 and 28 over 30 contestants ages 3-60 will compete in the inaugural Nevada County Spring Pageant. This pageant is 100% volunteer run and is providing a new opportunity to bring additional awareness to nonprofits and a strategic advanced training system to people of all ages. Each contestant must provide details about their nonprofit platform and how they plan to provide service hours to their charity. These contestants are coming from all over Northern California to compete. There are optional categories for talent and swimsuit, but not required. The candidates will be judged on interview skills, speaking on stage and answering pop questions and the clarity of their plan to help their communities. 5 weeks of training are included in the $25 application fee. Trainings are provided by 25 year pageant coach, Sheryl Casper of Lake of the Pines. A majority of the contestants are from Nevada County and pageant producers expect to see another surge in serving as a result of the pageant. The pageant is run under the direction of M3 Malls owner, Melisa Mistler-Yates. A pageant winner herself, with titles of Ms. Greater Sacramento 2009, Mrs. Northern California, 2011 and West Coast Humanitarian 2014. Mistler states, "It is because of pageant systems that my awareness to helping charities was raised". She continued by saying, "My excitement about the education and training provided to the contestants of all ages is something I want Nevada County to offer!" The Cornish Christmas pageant had 21 contestants, and all were crowned Queen, Ambassador or Princess. Within the first 3 weeks of December this court of 21 individuals provided over 80 public service appearances. The additional 30 being added to the Spring court will combine efforts with the Cornish Court and continue serving year round. The entire community is invited to attend the pageant on Saturday, March 28 at the Holiday Inn Express at 10am. Tickets are $10 at the door or may be purchased at a discount from any of the competing individuals.