Remember those AWKWARD junior high years? Well, this birthday party CELEBRATES that awkwardness. Years ago while living in Colorado, it was Kellie’s birthday so we staged the UN-MISS AMERICA PAGEANT. Hilarious – a total spoof of the beauty pageant scene!
So, here’s how it works: Invite 8-10 girls to your party pageant. Every contestant competes in 4 categories.
1. Group dance number. Years ago we did “YMCA” but the “Cupid Shuffle” or anything else that has commonly known dance moves would be fun. Just pick something everyone knows.
2. Individual talent – anything goes – the crazier the better! My sweet Kellie belched the ABC’s (that’s even funnier if you know Kellie), but our pageant winner actually played the nose flute!
3. Evening Gown– see below for more details. The wackier, the better.
4. Interview. You know, the part where they talk about world peace? Here are some possible questions: How do you see yourself 15 years from now? If you could be granted one wish what would it be? What is your edge over the other contestants? What do you like most about yourself? How would you describe your own personality? Which famous person are you most like and why? If you could do one thing to change the world what would it be? What bothers you most about what is happening in the country today? Among the contestants, who is a major threat to you and why? What is the hardest thing you have ever done?
Every contestant is awarded points in each category. 5 points for 1st, 4 points for runner up, and everyone gets 3 points for participating (for each of the four categories). So, the total possible points from each judge is 20 points. REMEMBER: this is all about awkward. The most points go to the crazies. Find a ready-to-print scorecard for your judges here.
(Each judge will need their own scorecard for every girl participating.)
The girls wore one crazy outfit for both the group dance number and individual talent competitions, and then changed to a wacky, but modest evening gown (hit up your local DI or Savers or just dig through mom’s old bridesmaid and prom dresses….) for the interview. My oldest daughter and 3 other high school friends were the judges. My husband and son were the emcees (wearing sport coats with long basketball shorts – wonderfully tacky.) We had a microphone for the emcees, a sound system for the dance number, bar stools for the interview, used a staircase for a grand entrance, and metallic garland and Christmas lights for decorations.
The winner of the Un-Miss America Pageant (the girl with the most points when the judges come together and add up their points for each girl) received a crown, a bouquet of half-dead flowers, and of course, a glittery “Un-Miss America” sash. All contestants got party bags with nail polish, lip gloss and a sweet treat. Enjoy cake and ice cream after the pageant while watching video of your unforgettable night. Embrace your awkwardness with a totally original, crazy fun Un-Miss America Pageant party!
(This could also make a really fun Young Women’s activity!)
Shari
Julie says
I had totally forgotten about that party! So fun! Great for a YW activity!!
Shari says
Jenn was a very cute contestant!
Ella Shattuck says
This is a really good thing for building self-esteem at a young age. 🙂
maryanne says
Very fun idea