The craziness of Miss Brainerd Lakes

It has once again been a busy week in the life of Miss Brainerd Lakes! What a blessing it is to make so many fun and exciting appearances in my hometown.

The Fourth of July is always one of the most fun times of the year. Molly and I kicked off our Fourth of July festivities at the Nisswa Turtle Races. Over 700 racers registered that day and Molly and I had the opportunity to be line judges to see which turtle crossed the line first. That night was the Nisswa Fourth of July parade which is always one of my favorites because I grew up in Nisswa. It's so fun to see some familiar faces in the crowd. This was definitely one of the biggest parades Nisswa has had and I was lucky enough to be a part of it! Thank you Dondelinger Auto for sponsoring a beautiful car for us to ride in.

The next day was the Brainerd Fourth of July parade. While this parade is always one of the longest, it is SO worth seeing the precious little girls faces light up when they see princesses! For years I've watched Miss Brainerd Lakes in the Brainerd parade and have often looked up to her. Now I'm that girl and I couldn't feel more blessed or honored!

The next day was Arts in the Park at Gregory Park in which Molly and I walked around to sign autographs and take pictures. It's a tradition for Miss Brainerd Lakes to be there every year and I was happy to carry on that tradition.

I then attended the Miss Northwest and Miss Northwest's Outstanding Teen pageant in Detroit Lakes. Chantal, Miss Northwest 2013, became a great friend during Miss Minnesota week and I was happy to be there to support her and see her one last time before she headed back to Boston. She was a fabulous Miss Northwest and I couldn't be more proud to call her a friend. I know she is going to make a killer lawyer.

The next day was the Miss Morris Area and Miss Midwest pageant. The outgoing queens, Cassey and Chelsea, also became incredible friends during Miss Minnesota week. Also one of my best friends and Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen sister, Corrina was competing for the first time in a "Miss" pageant. Though it was weird to see her onstage, I was so proud! Corrina has certainly come a long way and I know a Miss title is in her future.

Cassey

Corrina

Then it was off to Prior Lake the next day for a sendoff party for our 2014 Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen, Lauren. Lauren will leave is just a few days for the Miss America's Outstanding Teen pageant. I can't wait to hear how awesome she will do!

I literally felt like I was living out of my car because two days later I was back in the car heading to Thief River Falls for the Miss Thief River Falls and Miss Riverfest pageant! Miss Thief River Falls 2013, Taylor, became a another great friend during Miss Minnesota week (seriously... these ladies are incredible!). I had never been to Thief River Falls before so it was fun to be at the pageant supporting Taylor! After the pageant, we were able to get some food at a local restaurant and catch up but also get to know the two new titleholders.

The Country Sampler Picnic was the day after, so I headed to the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd for a night of great food and fun. This is another Miss Brainerd Lakes tradition and was probably one of the most fun appearances of the summer! I signed many autographs and was able to meet some really great people from the Brainerd Lakes area. Molly, Lauren, and I along with our princesses also watched the pig races which is always great entertainment.

To conclude my crazy week, Molly and I handed out awards at North Central Speedway in Brainerd! We were lucky enough to get box seats because I certainly was not prepared for how loud the car races are! This was my first time ever seeing car races and it was so much fun. Plus it was fun to congratulate the winners and have the opportunity to pose for a picture with them.

With love,
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013

A Confession.

I have a confession to make. I told you all in a recent blog and on my Facebook page that I was okay with not making Top 11 at Miss Minnesota 2014, and that was no lie. I really am okay and it has given me an even deeper drive to continue competing, better myself, and raise awareness to Alzheimer's disease. I can promise you that.

But what I have done is something I regret doing. As my MAOTeen sister, Deon, said perfect; "Then, I read this horrible thing all pageant girls know as a bad word: the message board."

Yes, I read the Voy board upon my arrival home from Miss Minnesota week. I don't know why I did it. I know the negative consequences of reading these message boards. I know that comments left on the Voy board to not reflect me or my character, yet somehow I couldn't pull myself away from reading what anonymous people had to say about my performance. I yearned for some kind of explanation as to why, after months (even years!) of preparation, I didn't even make Top 11. I saw things I wish I wouldn't have; I looked too "tired" onstage, I wasn't fit enough, I wasn't a standout. You name it, I probably saw it. For days after reading these comments, I felt worthless. I felt I had let everyone down who predicted I would make Top 11. I was frustrated. I put everything I had on that Miss Minnesota stage. Every ounces of who Bailey is was poured onto that stage. To come back and read these comments about my performance was so unbelievably discouraging. I can't even put into words the despair I felt. For days I believed I wasn't worthy enough. That the reason I didn't make Top 11 was because I wasn't good enough, skinny enough, pretty enough, or smart enough to be Miss Minnesota.

I don't know when it happened, but I finally stepped back from my mini obsession with the Voy board and allowed God to heal the brokenness and pain I was feeling as a result of my stupid action. To my surprise, I found the answer to my question not from the message board, but in Christ. I have always known that my worth is found in Christ and in Christ alone, but after a few days of reading the Voy board, I had lost sight of that. I was trying to find my worth in the opinions of people who foolishly hid behind the anonymity of a silly message board instead of in my Lord and Savior.

It was a very humbling experience for me. I wasn't going to share this experience because of the fear that I would be judged for reading the Voy board. I didn't want others to think any less of me for believing and reading what so many people encouraged me not to do. 

But then I realized, no. I needed to share this experience with those around me. I made a mistake. I'm human. I'm not perfect. Though I'm still afraid of what people might think of me, I know I'm not the only contestant to have read the Voy board and go through the same feelings I did.

My ultimate purpose for writing this blog is to encourage those who do post on message boards to stop. You can have your predictions for Top 11, I have no problem with that. It's fun to make predictions, then see how correct you are! But my hope is that instead of posting it on the message board, you would keep it to yourself. What may seem like an innocent and almost entertaining post about who you believe will make the cut, can hurt and tear down a contestant more than you know. Whether they are in your prediction or not. As much as a shock as this may be, Miss Minnesota contestants are human. We have thick skin, but words hurt more than anything in this world and can pierce even the toughest skin. You can never erase what you read. Not even the best Miss Minnesota or Miss America.

Regardless of your opinions about the new Miss Minnesota or Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen, they are still our state titleholders. Publicly bashing them on an immature message board will not change that. Instead of nit-picking on what their hair looks like, what clothes they wear, their makeup, or what they have or have not done with their platforms, lets uplift both of our state titleholders. Both are preparing to compete in their national pageant and need the support now more that ever before. This is about to be one of the most challenging yet exciting years in both of their lives. Both Miss Minnesota and Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen are far greater than outer beauty. This simple fact is important to remember as we uplift our state titleholders during this transitional time in their lives.

I would personally like to see more positive things on the message board. I love reading positive comments, especially about the work that local contestants do with their platform. This is such a huge part of the Miss America Organization, yet often gets overlooked for more trivial things like wardrobe and hair/makeup. For example, my roommate, Kailee won the Tracie Joy McBride Quality of Life award and didn't get NEARLY as much recognition as she deserve. Kailee is an incredible woman of Christ and was such a bright light for all of us during the week. I certainly wouldn't have been able to get through the week without her, and I know it was the same for many others. Instead of grumbling about the women who were not a finalist for Quality of Life, lets celebrate how incredible Kailee is and how deserving she is.

As I reflect back on my Miss Minnesota week, I have a compete understanding in the Plan and Purpose God laid out for me that week. I knew in my heart that it was not my year to win Miss Minnesota. God laid that on my heart many months before Miss Minnesota week, and I was fine with that. But I did know I was there for a specific purpose and that purpose was made clear towards to end of the week. I still left Miss Minnesota week feeling so full and happy. I didn't need to make Top 11 to feel worthy. I am in a way better place than I was last week, and I can say that with complete confidence. Your prayers and kind words mean the world to me. I couldn't ask for a better support system. From the bottom of heart and with everything I have, I thank you. 

With love,
Bailey Wachholz
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013

Kiddy Parades, Culver's, and Disney World!

Life did in fact move on after Miss Minnesota week with various appearances around the Brainerd Lakes area!

Last week was Brainerd History Week in celebration of the 100th year anniversary of various buildings in downtown Brainerd. My sister queens and I along, with the Crow Wing County Dairy Princess, participated in the Teddy Bear Kiddy parade right in downtown Brainerd. The kids were adorable and many of them were starstruck at seeing so many princesses! It was a fabulous reminder of the power that a crown can have. I may not be Miss Minnesota, but to those little girls who shyly asked for an autograph, I am. I could impact their life in such a simple way just by saying hello to them. How incredible it is to be a part of such a great and powerful program!

That same day, I headed over to Culver's in Baxter in celebration of June Dairy Month. I had done this event two years ago, but as Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2012. It was great to be back, but I was a bit nervous as I was asked to milk a cow in the cow milking contest. I have never milked a cow. Ever. My uncle operated a dairy farm for many years, but I was more interested in the barn kittens at my young age than in learning how to milk a cow! I had a few tips up my sleeve, but it was a lot harder than I expected and was only able to get about .5 ounces of milk in 30 seconds! Not terrible, but also not the best :)

Our wonderful Senators and Representatives!

Also that day was a custard eating contest! The contest was to see who could eat 8 ounces of custard the fastest. I slurped that custard down pretty fast, but was sad to not be able to enjoy it fully. All-in-all, it was a fantastic day and I was happy to have my sister queens beside me through it all :)

Then I was off to Florida on a short vacation! Though it was hot and humid, it was so much fun to walk around Disney and sit and enjoy the sun without a care in the world. I was sad to leave, but I'm enjoying the Minnesota weather :)

Always,
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013

Miss Minnesota week!

I think that this blog is long overdue and I apologize. Life got even more busy after Miss Minnesota week when I got back to "reality" and went back to work.

I started off strong with two days of blogs, but the little sleep during the week really caught up to me and I fell behind on the blogs. Forgive me!

Day 3 was exhausting yet fun all at the same time! The day started with a trip to the Veterans Home in which we were able to talk to the residents and their families, sing patriotic songs, and signing autographs. I left many different emotions as the military is extremely close to my heart. I come from a family with strong ties to the military and know how important these individuals are to our community. It was extremely interesting hearing their stories and was yet another reminder of the impact these individuals have had on my life. Freedom isn't free. There would be no way I could participate in the Miss America Program had it not been for these individuals who gave up so much so that I could have a better tomorrow.

After the Veterans Home visit, we headed for  our rehearsal at the Eden Prairie Performing Arts Center then prepared for Open Arms. Open Arms is a non-profit organization that cooks and delivers free meals to those who have specific nutritional needs that need to be met. I worked the salad line with three fantastic ladies - Miss Waseca County Sleigh and Cutter, Katie; Miss Frazee, Ashley; and Miss Morris Area, Cassie. We had SO much fun and only made a little bit of a mess :)

Day 4 marked the official start of the preliminary competition! The day started with personal interviews. I walked out after my interview feeling fantastic but also knowing God's Plan was already unfolding. I was at peace for the rest of the day and couldn't wait for prelims to start! I would be competing in onstage question and talent. I felt great about my onstage question and have never performed my talent better! I was feeling on fire and couldn't wait to see my family and committee for the first time all week. That night, I walked away with the Impact of Change scholarship award for my service work and platform which was sponsored by Tiffany Buszta. It was such an honor to receive this award! I also received my Bronze medal for the Duke of Edinburgh program which was a 3-month-long process.

Day 5 began with a visit to the Minnesota Autism Center (MAC), a K-12 school for those that fall on the autism spectrum. I had never heard of MAC, but I'm thankful Rebecca Yeh, Miss Minnesota 2013 introduced me to such a fantastic school! If you have never heard of MAC, I highly recommend looking into it. I left feeling inspired by the children that I met there. It was such a blast! After MAC, we headed back to the auditorium for rehearsal before the second night of prelims! This night, I would compete in swimsuit and evening gown. Again, I felt I left my heart on that stage and couldn't have performed any better. This night, I was honored to stand beside 4 other incredible women for the Tracie Joy McBride Quality of Life award. Congrats to runner up, Emily Kallis, and my roomie for the week, Kailee Ogden who walked away as the 2014 Quality of Life winner!! These two are incredible individuals and I am so happy that I had the chance to get to know them better throughout the week.

Day 6 was a fun day at the Mall of America with the 2014 Northern Lights Princesses! We enjoyed a morning with Radio Disney and spent the day making crafts, dancing and singing, and decorating crown boxes with our princess. My princess was Andi who is from Brainerd and has participated in the Brainerd princess program and who I've know for many years. The princesses were also crowned that morning so it was fun to see how excited some of the princesses were! It was a fun morning and I even got to see my Outstanding Teen, Molly :) The rest of the day we had some down time to relax and pack before the Crowns and Gowns gala at the Radisson Blu. The gala was a beautiful event put on by the Sister to Sister Program made up of former Miss Minnesota's. It was an emotional night for me because it was a beautiful reminder of the rich history and power of the Miss Minnesota Program. I was honored to be in that room with so many former Miss Minnesota's and so many people who tirelessly volunteer for this amazing program. It was a fantastic way to end Miss Minnesota week (but also the jam sesh and girl talk we had in our room with a couple of the other contestants!).

Day 7 was our last and final day. That night a new Miss Minnesota would be crowned and I felt very relaxed knowing that God's Plan for my life far surpassed the outcome of the pageant that night. I knew I had done everything I could have possibly done, left my heart and soul on that stage, and remained fully myself in the process! I knew I could leave that night feeling fulfilled. I didn't walk away as Miss Minnesota, but the friendships that were formed and the memories made were far greater than anything a crown could ever give me. There are no words to describe how fantastic the week was! I walked away that night as the Miss America Community Service winner for the work that I've done with the Alzheimer's Association and my personal platform promoting children and teen dementia education. That was a huge honor and I will continue to fight for a cure long after my competitive pageant days have come to an end. This is a life-long commitment for me.

Thank you for all that supported me on this journey! I know and understand that God has something greater in store for me and I can't wait to see what exactly that entails :)

With love and gratitude,
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013

Day 2 of Miss Minnesota week.

Day 2 of Miss Minnesota week has been incredible! I am having so much fun and am feeling so blessed to be here.

The day started with a trip to Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul in which we were fed breakfast and able to meet Minnesota's Children's Miracle Network Champion family. Michael and his parents are so incredibly inspirational. Michael was born with Apert Syndrome, rare genetic disorder causing birth defects. I know Michael will continue to be a shining light to his parents and others around him.

We then had a chance to spend time with patients in the waiting room of Gillette. It was so much fun to interact with the kids as they were almost star-struck because of all the crowns! There were many autographs signed and many pictures taken, but nothing will compare to the pure joy and excitement that were evident on their faces. They reminded me that life is so precious and that no matter what stone we've been given, we are not to let it define us.

We took a tour of Gillette as well. It is fascinating to see the innovation happening in our backyards in terms of the medical field. It was clear that those that work at Gillette have such a heart for pediatrics and truly enjoy their jobs.

After our time at Gillette was over, we rode in style back to our hotel in two stretch SUV limos. We were given a fantastic lunch, then thrust into rehearsals in which we learned the opening production number! The dance is so much fun and I know it's going to be a great show.

We then had some down time before getting ready to attend the Saint Paul Saints baseball game! I enjoy baseball and getting to interact with the fans was fun. I should be used to all of the pictures that were taken, but somehow it just seems as if the farther we get into pageant week, the more photos we take. The Saints won and we could leave the field happy :)

There was a major jam session on the way back to the hotel (in a huge party bus I might add!) and a powerful group prayer. This week has already been a huge test on my faith, but I'm thankful to be surrounded my women who keep me accountable and want to help me strengthen my faith.

Day 3 will be busy, and I can't wait to fill you in!
Much love,
B

Day 1 of Miss Minnesota week.

Just a quick update on how this day went!

Check-in began at 1pm this afternoon. I was able to sign the official Miss Minnesota poster and pose for some pictures before given my room key to unpack and prepare for the week ahead.

Today was so much fun, as we spent the day at the Mall of America! First, we spent time at Nickelodeon Universe. Though I'm not a huge ride fan, I'm proud of myself for making it on one roller coaster before deciding to sit out on the rest.

Next, we headed to the Barbie Dream House Exhibit! I was so excited about this as I have wanted to go for many weeks. It was so much to be a little girl again and just enjoy the time I had with the other contestants. If you haven't seen this exhibit yet, I highly recommend it!

On the agenda next was dinner at Skyzone. This is always a fun dinner because not only do we get to eat delicious food but we also get to play arcade games! It was such a fantastic night and it was great getting to know the rest of the contestants. I'm looking forward to what this week has in store :)

Thanks for your prayers,
Bailey
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013

Thoughts Before I Leave for Miss Minnesota

First, I have to say a thank you to everyone for all of your prayers and words of encouragment. It is because of the support I've recieved that I've been able to get through this week.

Yesterday, I enjoyed a day of pampering! The Miss Brainerd Lakes Scholarship Program has some incredible sponsors, and they have made me feel beautiful and ready for what next week will bring me. The day started with a manicure and pedicure at Panache Salon and Spa in Baxter. Monica and the staff graciously donated their services to my sister queen and I to make sure our nails looked Miss Minnesota ready. I'm beyond grateful for their generous donation! Then I was off to my mom's salon for a hair cut and color. Any woman can vouch for me when I say that getting your hair done is one of the most fantastic things because it makes you feel so empowered and ready to take on the world! Many thanks to my mom for always making my hair look fantastic. Finally, my day of pampering ended with a trip to The Red Umrella for a perfect tan. Thanks to PJ and her skills in making sure I always look natural and flawless. I seriously have the best team behind me! Thank you so much!!

Today, as many of you know, I had my Tracie Joy McBride Quality of Life interview and platform presentation. There is no better honor than being a finalist for this award, and I put forth everything I could and everything I had. Ultimately, I know it's in the Lord's Hands and I'm grateful that it is. No matter the outcome, I'm proud to be a finalist and would be happy for any one of the other four finalist. They are incredible individuals and I've been blessed to have the chance to get to know them through the years that I've been competing! Thanks for your prayers I've patiently waited through the application process and thank you to the McBride family and the committee they have formed to keep Tracie's legacy alive. Tracie will never be forgetten because of the efforts put forth by these incredble individuals.

Tomorrow, I check in for Miss Minnesota week. I am about to embark on one crazy journey and could not be more excited! It will be one busy week but I am feeling more than prepared for what lay ahead of me.

Truthfully, when I first started competing, Miss Minnesota seemed so far out of reach. I never thought I would make it to the Miss stage. The Miss contestants were always the ones I looked up to the most but never imaged myself in their shoes. Now here I am, preparing to leave for Miss Minnesota week and compete on that prestigous stage! I am now that girl I always looked up to and it has become so surreal.

I didn't know my pageant journey would bring me to where I am today. The Miss America Program has truly shaped me into the person I am today. I started competing in this program as a shy fourteen year old who refused to order her own food at a restaurant. Now, though still a bit of an introvert, I have been given the skills to speak to any audience with ease and can now confidently order my own food at a restaurant (are you proud?!). This program as motivated me to be healthy - in mind, body, and spirit. I have learned to always put my mental health before anything and pride myself in knowing that I am in the right place mentally. I've also been motivated to eat healthier and get active because I want to treat my body right, not because I feel pressure to be thin. Plus, I've grown stronger in my faith and fully understand and believe in my heart that God is the Great I Am and Ultimate Planner.

Miss Minnesota 2014 is crowned in one week and I wanted to let you all into my heart to see how I've been doing.

Mentally, I feel fantastic. I am so excited to spend the week with such an elite group of women and to represent my beautiful community. That has been my focus going into this. I want to walk away knowing the week was a blast. While making Top 11 would be great, I know that God's plans are greater than any plan I could formulate on my own. This has given me great peace.

Physically, I feel great. I'm very comfortable in my own skin and I know who I am. I am a daughter of the Most High and no matter how much I weigh (or how little I weigh), Christ's love for me will never change. My worth in grounded in The Lord, not in the score the judges give me in swimsuit.

Spirtitually, I've been feeling God's presence more and more as I get closer to check in. It really started today as I began my Quality of Life interview. I've never felt closer to God than I do right now and I know this closeness will continue through pageant week. I'm thankful for good friends who will be leading a Bible study during the week to keep me and others in the right mindset,

So again, thank you for all of the prayers! They are much appreciated. I'm surrounded my some pretty great people and couldn't feel more blessed! Thank you all!

Your Sister in Christ,
Bailey Wachholz
Miss Brainerd Lakes 2013