Ms. Georgia Nursing Home Pageant

Pageant History

In late 1974, a resident of Georgia Care Nursing Home was named Mrs. Goober by the Georgia Peanut Commission after a local pageant which involved the home's residents. This generated quite favorable publicity in that immediate area. Peachtree Atlanta Kiwanis Club took notice of this limited event and appreciated the possibilities for its expansion which in turn could mean so much for so many more nursing home residents.

Peachtree Kiwanis contacted the Georgia Nursing Home Association and joined forces to sponsor the first annual Ms Georgia Nursing Home Pageant in May, 1976. The first several years nursing homes in the Metro-Atlanta participated. The pageant became so popular that state-wide interest was generated. In response the event was broadened to be a truly state-wide pageant, and it has remained an annual event for the Peachtree Atlanta Kiwanis Club and the Georgia Nursing Home Association. The 2003 pageant will mark the 28th.consecutive annual event. There is no doubt this gives the nursing home residents an important activity, a new lease on life, and a program that recognizes them and their life long contributions.

Pageant Objectives

Recognize and celebrate a lifetime of achievements.
Provide a community involvement activity for our nursing home residents.
Promote the positive aspects of long-term health care.

Pageant Program

Typically nursing homes statewide each hold their own home pageant to name their Ms Nursing Home. From these about twenty are chosen by a committee as semi-finalists and advance to the state pageant held in Atlanta each May, timed logically to occur the Saturday before Mothers Day.

From the first year the reigning Miss Georgia always has graciously agreed to entertain the contestants and audience with her talent and personality; and at the proper moment at the conclusion, personally crown the new Ms Georgia Nursing Home. Over the years a military group in dress uniform serves as escorts for the contestants as they enter the hall and walk (or ride) up the "runway". Each year the pageant involves a well-known local TV personality who serves as a very prestigious and congenial emcee. And each year Peachtree Atlanta Kiwanis Club members serve as the ushers, the two Kiwanis members in charge of the project serve as stage escorts, and for years one the members has served as one of the five expert judges.

Each finalist is then briefly interviewed by the emcee, at which point the judges retire to chose the winner. Upon their return, with great fanfare the winner is announced and crowned by Miss Georgia.

Invitation for the Public to Attend

This special event is held to promote a positive public image of nursing home residents and their prospects for fulfilling lives. The lovely women involved in this celebration have a zest for life that will amaze anyone who would like to attend. All who do witness a group of ladies who will put a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face.

With a lifetime of achievements all our contestants possess a wealth of "beauty". All of each year's participants, semi-finalists, and finalists are "winners". Our best wishes go to all for sharing their undaunting spirit of life. We at Peachtree Atlanta Kiwanis recognize and salute these extraordinary ladies who have demonstrated the vitality and richness of lives well lived.

The general public is certainly welcome and encouraged to attend this heartwarming event. If interested please contact the Georgia Nursing Home Association at 678-289-6555 to determine the time, date, and location for the next program.