The deadline is in about two weeks for married Iowa women to enter this year’s Mrs. Iowa Pageant. Director Judy Clingman, of Ottumwa, says it’s -not- a body-building competition. She says they’re looking for energetic women who can be good spokeswomen for marriage and related issues. Contestants can be between the ages of 18 and 99 and don’t necessarily have to have children. There is no talent competition, but every contestant competes in personality interviews, swimsuit and evening gown events. Clingman says the winner will travel all around Iowa, promoting her platform.She says women take on whatever issue is close to their hearts and the pageant has built an alliance with breast cancer research so many choose to help out that effort. The Mrs. Iowa Pageant will be held in Cedar Rapids on July 1-3.The winner advances to the national pageant in September, to be held in Hawaii or California. The deadline to enter is March 26. For more information, surf to “www.mrsiowa.net”.
