by John Manzi, publicity director, Monticello Raceway

Monticello, NY — When the Ms. Monticello Raceway Beauty Pageant returns for the 18th time this season over $7,000 in cash and prizes will be up for grabs for the competing contestants.

As in the past, the Pageant will again be presented in two stages. First on Sunday, July 19, there will be the preliminary event to select 15 finalists and then on Sunday, July 26, those who made the cut will compete for the money, prizes and the title of Ms. Monticello Raceway 2009.

Once again prominent horse owner and avid racing fan Larry Roman will sponsor the event and will serve as the master of ceremonies.

Geri Schwarz photo

Last year’s Ms. Monticello finalists line-up for a group photo. The eventual winner was Courtney Blauvelt (third from left), a college student from Napanoch, N.Y.

“I’m happy to once again be able to be involved with the Ms. Monticello Raceway Pageant,” Roman said. “Over the years we’ve had a great number of pretty ladies in our pageants and the judges always had a hard time to select a winner.”

According to Roman the lucky winner will receive $3,500 and the title of Ms. Monticello Raceway 2009. There will be a $1,500 prize for the first runner-up and the second runner-up will receive $1,000. And in true Larry Roman style, he’s offering $100 to each girl who is chosen to be among the 15 finalists. And arguably the best part is that there is no fee to enter.

Both events, the preliminaries and the final, will include evening gown and bathing suit competitions and the contests will be run in conjunction with the racing programs on each afternoon.

At this time the search has begun to find contestants, 18 years and older, married or single, to compete for the incredible prizes in the Ms. Monticello Raceway Beauty Pageant. Again expecting to attract beauties from near and far, the raceway is requiring all contestants to submit a photograph with their applications. And to reiterate, there is no fee to enter.

To apply for an application to enter the pageant, or for further information, please contact the Raceway’s publicity office by calling (845) 794-4100, ext. 455, or send an e-mail to jmanzi@empireresorts.com.