With the temperatures beginning to warm up and the summer season in the Sullivan County Catskills of New York State on the horizon, many regional beauties begin thinking of and inquiring about the annual Ms. Monticello Raceway Beauty Pageant which has been a part of the local community for over 15 years.

“We haven’t even sent out any information or advertised about an upcoming beauty pageant but already we’ve had calls from girls not only inquiring about it, but telling us that they want to participate,” noted Monticello Gaming & Raceway Assistant General Manager Shawn Wiles.

The beauty pageant will be presented on Sunday, July 18, but should there be a huge turnout the pageant will then be run in two stages. On July 18 a preliminary event will be utilized to reduce a large field to a workable number and then, the following week, on Sunday, July 25, the finalists will compete for the money, prizes and the title of Ms. Monticello Raceway 2010.

Once again the Ms. Monticello Raceway Beauty Pageant will be sponsored by prominent horse owner and avid racing fan Larry Roman.

Roman, who has a summer home in nearby Kauneonga Lake, New York and whose racing stock competes at the 'Mighty M,' enjoys the pageantry and the emceeing chores.

“I’m happy to once again be able to be involved with the Ms. Monticello Raceway Pageant,” Roman said. “Over the years we’ve had great number of pretty ladies in our pageants and the judges always have a hard time selecting a winner. But I have to say they have always done a masterful job and we have had some real elegant winners in the past.”

According to Roman he not only enjoys sponsoring the pageant, but also working as the master of ceremonies.

“I do this pageant because I love the natural beauty of the Catskill Mountains and so wanted to keep a pageant that is also about natural beauty,” he added.

The Ms. Monticello Raceway Beauty Pageant will be held on the raceway's stage which will be set up on the grandstand apron and run in conjunction with the racing programs on both Sunday afternoons.

It should be noted that the Ms. Monticello Raceway Pageant and is open to all girls 18 years and older and that there is no fee to enter.

For further information or to enter the pageant please contact the raceway's publicity office by calling 845-794-4100 (Ext. 455).

(Monticello)