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November 23, 2010

Miss Louisiana Kelsi Crain gives audience sneak peek at Miss America outfits

Kelsi Crain, 20, reigning Miss Louisiana and a kinesiology major at ULM, shined as she modeled several outfits for a packed audience at Biedenharn Recital Hall on Sunday, Nov. 21.

The Miss Louisiana Organization and the University of Louisiana at Monroe hosted the 2011 Trunk Show featuring Crain, as she previewed for the crowd many of the outfits she will wear during the Miss America Pageant in January. The event also featured the debut of Crain's talent for the upcoming competition, a newly choreographed dance on pointe routine developed by her aunt and local dance coach, Missy Crain.

Crain seemed to relish some of her wardrobe choices as she playfully noted that "these are probably the best shoes I've ever owned" during one outing across the stage. She thanked her many family and friends for attending.

"I would not be here without the love and support of all of you," she said. "I've grown so much and I am so glad I get to share it with you."

Crain served as 2010 Miss ULM before being crowned Miss Louisiana in June. During her reign as Miss Louisiana, Crain has made over 80 appearances throughout the state promoting her platform, "Heart for the Arts." She also appeared at over 20 public schools during Red Ribbon Week, a campaign that promotes drug-free choices for youth.

"Not only is Kelsi beautiful on the outside, she is beautiful on the inside, as well," said Jennifer Malbrough, a former Miss Louisiana who served as master of ceremonies. "We're truly proud of her for making a difference in the lives of others."

There were many audience favorites among Crain's choices, including a stylish black dress for the private interview portion of the upcoming competition and her choice for evening gown, which elicited several "ooohs" and "aaahhs" from an appreciative audience.

It is perhaps telling that Crain earned a best dressed award during an appearance in support of the Miss Outstanding Teen Pageant, held earlier this year in Orlando. She heads to Las Vegas to compete in the Miss America pageant preliminaries, which begin Monday, Jan. 10. Her interview with judges will be held that Monday, followed by the talent competition on Tuesday, the on-stage question on Wednesday and the swimsuit and evening gown competitions on Thursday, Jan. 13. The preliminaries culminate with the live telecast of the Miss America Pageant on Jan. 15.

The pageant returns to Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino this year with the final competition airing at 7 p.m., Central Standard Time, on the ABC Television Network. Crain hopes to head to Las Vegas having raised $10,000 for the Children's Miracle Network. The non-profit organization raises funds for more than 170 children's hospitals around the country.

Because of limited space and shipping costs, fans and supporters are asked not to send gifts to Crain while she is in Las Vegas. Instead, pageant officials encouraged the public to show their support through cards and letters to the hotel's address at the Planet Hollywood Resort, 3667 Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nev., 89109.

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