On August 26, the entire nation will be watching as the Mrs. America pageant is live-streamed from Las Vegas, Nevada.  For the 2018 pageant, we may very well see Bridgeport’s own Elizabeth Rice McDow walk across that stage.  McDow was recently selected as Mrs. Harrison County and will serve as our area representative for the Mrs. West Virginia pageant in March 2018.

 

No stranger to pageants in her home state of Oklahoma, McDow is excited about her reign as Mrs. Harrison County and is available for appearances in the area.  With a platform of education and literacy, she plans to raise awareness of opportunities for students and adults who seek to become well-rounded through skill development and continuing education.

 

“I have seen the difference it can make when an individual receives education support,” said McDow.  “I am eager to encourage othe

rs through volunteerism and appearances that allow this platform to be at the forefront.”

 

The Mrs. West Virginia pageant will be held in Charleston in March and will feature local winners from all over the Mountain State.  Contestants will compete in swimwear, evening wear, and panel interviews, in which each contestant demonstrates how she would represent the state.

 

Throughout the year, the local, state and national Mrs. America pageant contestants host many events fundraising for their national campaign platform, Victoria’s Voice. The charity focuses on raising awareness of the plight of substance abuse.

 

Now in its 41^st year, the Mrs. West Virginia pageant continues to grow and honor married  women who are dedicated to service and volunteerism.  McDow currently serves as Co-President of the Bridgeport Junior Woman’s Club and serves as a Board member for the Literacy Volunteers of Harrison County, and is a member and volunteer with AAPL and MLBC.

She moved to Bridgeport in 2010 and has been active in community service activities throughout the region.

Through her previous pageant experience, she has reaped the benefits of lifelong friendships and improved public speaking skills.  It is her passion for her platform, however, that was the impetus of Mrs. Harrison County.

 

“Pageants are a wonderful way to showcase the causes that one finds important,” she said.  “Education, literacy and volunteerism are all very important to me and have shaped me as a person.  Being Mrs. Harrison County affords me the opportunity to give back and encourage others.”

 

Should McDow be crowned as Mrs. West Virginia in March, she will be eligible to participate in the 2018 Mrs. America pageant in Las Vegas next summer.  In addition to various prizes, state winners also develop an influential networking group with which to further their platforms.

 

“Unlike many pageants, this one focuses on much more than external beauty,” she said. “It validates the importance of service and giving back to communities around the state and I am proud to serve as Harrison County’s representative.”