Idaho wives, moms to shine

Seven married women from North Idaho will sparkle in the spotlight when they compete in the Mrs. Idaho America Pageant at the Capital High School auditorium in Boise this Saturday.

The pageant recognizes the importance and beauty of Gem State wives and mothers while serving as the preliminary competition to the prestigious Mrs. America Pageant, which is now in its 39th year.

Delegates must have good moral standings, be married, be at least 18, live in Idaho and be United States citizens. They will be competing in categories including personal interview, physical fitness and evening wear. Previous contestants have ranged in age from 19-60. They will be competing for a prize package worth more than $10,000 and the opportunity to be Mrs. Idaho and potentially Mrs. America.

“We all have different focuses and different passions,” said Mrs. Hayden Jessica Bonar. “Some of the women are incredibly passionate about children and families or counseling and mental health. It is so powerful, and when you get all those women together in a room, you’re like, ‘Wow.’”

Bonar explained that all of the women competing will have a stance on issues that are important to them. She has been promoting female empowerment and helping women break out of painful cycles to realize their full potentials and inner beauties.

“I want women to know that no matter where they’ve been, who they've been, what they’ve done, they can change their mind and they can change their direction," she said. "They can become someone that they can be proud of.”

Here is a list of the moms and wives who will be vying for the crown this weekend: Laina Walkington, Mrs. Coeur d’Alene; Stormie Woolsey, Mrs. Dalton Gardens; Karyn Holt, Mrs. Mica View; Lauren Gettman, Mrs. Hayden Lake; Michele Sheets, Mrs. Kootenai County; Corilynne Smith, Mrs. Northern Lakes; Jessica Bonar, Mrs Hayden.

Info: www.mrsidahopageant.com