Miss Iowa Pageants return

For the second year running, Newton will play host to contestants and their familes as they vie for a spot in the national Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants, which will take place next summer. 

When searching for a new town to host the pageants two years ago, Denise Wallace, Executive State Director of Future Productions — the company that produces the pageants as well as several others in surrounding states — found an ideal mix of the various factors desired in a host city right here in Newton.

“We look for a location that’s safe and has a good hometown feel for the ladies and their families,” said Richardson. “Last year was our first year in Newton, and bringing anything of that size into a town, you expect things to go wrong, but they didn’t.”

Linda Bacon, executive director of the Newton Convention and Visitors Bureau, seconded this sentiment.

“Last year was only the first year [the pageants] have been in town, so we’re excited to have them back,” said Bacon. “We must have done it right last year if they’re returning, and we hope we can continue on the same track.”

From the cooperation of the high school to the involvement of local hotels and retailers, Richardson hopes that the pageants’ place in Newton will continue to benefit the community for years to come.

“We were so impressed with Linda and her work, and that they were excited for us to come to town,” said Richardson. “As more businesses and more people get involved, our goal and our hope is that Newton will become our home.” 

Both Richardson and Bacon emphasized that hosting the pageants each year directly benefits Newton in a number of different ways.

“From an economic standpoint, hotels are being filled and restaurants are being visited,” said Richardson. “From a shopping perspective, business will be good because the folks that come to town with these young ladies aren’t busy the whole weekend.”