Local woman prepares for national pageant title Saturday

Carson City resident Cecilia Merrell is ready to compete for a national title Saturday in the Silver State Curvy Queen plus size pageant for women ages 18 and older at Carson Valley Inn Casino in Minden.

Merrell, 54, will be joining the Curvy Queen Elite category for ages 35 and older. The pageant also allows women to compete in the 18 to 34 age group, and they are judged based on interviews, outfit of choice, evening gowns, on-stage questions, talent and how photogenic they are.

“My hope will be to bring awareness that beauty comes in any size,” Merrell said.

The contest will be emceed by Ms. California Plus America Janice Lipinsky with special guest Shannon Hooper, Miss American Indian Higher Education Consortium for 2019-20, and entertainment will be provided by Xscape Performers Studio and vocalist Samantha Alexes.

The competition starts at 6 p.m., but Merrell has to appear at Carson Valley Inn as early as 9 a.m. for the day’s activities and begin her interviews.

Merrell said Friday the inaugural competition is a chance to support her platform, which includes helping the homeless and hungry through local nonprofit Faith Hope Love of Northern Nevada in Stagecoach. She helps to fill Karma boxes, found in Carson City, Dayton, Reno and Sparks, available for donations to help those in need of food, clothing and products for hygiene. Merrell said she enjoys ensuring those boxes stayed fill and helping with fundraisers to collect warm clothing.

“It’s not so much about winning the crown, it’s that I get to bring awareness to these charities,” she said. “Now I have extra things to do.”

For more information on the pageant, visit http://silverstatepageants.org/pageants.