Miss Universe contestants participating in host of activities before pageant

Las Vegas is undergoing a beautification project. This year's Miss Universe contestants began arriving this past Saturday for two weeks of appearances before the pageant Aug. 23 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Opportunities for the public to view these 83 stunning ladies -- currently rooming by twos on a single floor of Mandalay Bay -- include a fashion parade inside Mandalay Bay, concerts at the Mandalay Bay pool and a charity dinner.

"We don't keep them so private," says Rachel Frimer, vice president of production for the Miss Universe Organization. "There's a fine line that you walk."

Sometimes the contestants will appear together, sometimes broken into groups.

"The thrust of all of this is to put a lot of this footage into the live telecast so the whole world can see it," Frimer says.

Appearance locales are decided jointly by pageant organizers, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, and host hotel group MGM Resorts International.

"It's a question of what is important as far as what they want the world and the girls to see," Frimer says. "And it's also about experiences for the girls."

Many have never left their home country, Frimer says, some of those never venturing far from tiny hometowns.

"We want to make sure they experience really good things in any location they're at," Frimer says.

In other words, all contestants will be chaperoned 24/7. Sorry guys, don't look for any strays to be slamming tequila shots at the Double Down Saloon after rehearsal.

"We don't really let them wander too far," Frimer says.

The pageant, hosted by Bret Michaels and Natalie Morales, airs locally at 9 p.m. Monday on KSNV-TV, Channel 3.

TODAY

9 p.m. Contestants attend a Neon Trees concert at the Fremont Street Experience. Free admission.

FRIDAY

9:30 p.m. Contestants greet fans at Dueling Pianos at the Bar at Times Square in New York-New York. Admission is $15.

SATURDAY

5-7 p.m. Contestants attend the Nevada Cancer Institute Miss Universe National Gift Auction in the Palm Foyer at Mandalay Bay. Tickets are $100; call 821-0044.

9 p.m. Contestants attend "Lost '80s Live" concert featuring the Motels, A Flock of Seagulls, Dramarama and others, watching from Moraya at Mandalay Bay Beach. Tickets are $35; call 632-7580.

MONDAY

7:30 p.m. Contestants join the National Costume Parade in front of Mizuya Sushi & Sake at Mandalay Bay. Free admission.

AUG. 19

7 p.m. Preliminary show, Mandalay Bay Events Center. Tickets are $50; call (800) 745-3000.

AUG. 21

7:30 p.m. Contestants attend the Michael Franti and Spearhead "Sounds of Sunshine" concert, performing a swimsuit parade onstage before the concert at Mandalay Bay Beach. Tickets are $42; call (800) 745-3000.

AUG. 23

Noon Dress rehearsal, Mandalay Bay Events Center. Tickets are $25; call (800) 745-3000.

6 p.m. Pageant, Mandalay Bay Events Center. Tickets are $85-$350; call (800) 745-3000.

Contact reporter Corey Levitan at clevitan@review journal.com or 702-383-0456.