Logandale mom to compete in Mrs. United States pageant

Tracy Rodgers of Logandale will represent Nevada in the Mrs. United States pageant at the Silverton Sunday through July 12. The pageant, held in Las Vegas since 1986, will feature 52 contestants from the United States and U.S. territories being judged on interviews, swimwear and evening gown competitions.

"The nice thing about the Mrs. United States Pageant is that the focus is on celebrating married women. The ladies are not only beautiful, but they are intelligent and kind," said Rodgers, 37, who noted that many of the contestants are involved in a variety of community projects. "They still keep stability in their personal lives and professional lives."

Rodgers herself is one.

A self-employed legal nurse consultant who works with law firms on personal injury and medical malpractice cases, Rodgers also is a member of the PTA, a Pack Committee Chairman for Pack 326 for the Boys Scouts of America and runs in the American Cancer Society's annual Relay for Life in Utah.

Two years ago, Rodgers competed in her first pageant, the Mrs. U.S. Globe pageant, and finished fourth in nationals. Rodgers decided she wanted to take what she learned from the experience and do it again. She was crowned Mrs. Nevada United States 2007 in March.

"It was one of the funnest and hardest experiences I've ever had," Rodgers said. But, she also felt that she "got so caught up in little details and missed part of the journey."

Rodgers said pageants "really pull you out of your comfort zone."

"It's not as easy as it appears," she said.

This time, Rodgers is "going to enjoy every moment."

Rodgers admitted she is experiencing "nerves a little bit " regarding the competition, but she is looking forward to it.

"It'll be fun," said Rodgers, who in addition to enjoying home-field advantage, believes Las Vegas is a good location for the pageant.

"Its not only fun for contestants but for our friends and family," she said.

To be eligible for the pageant, contestants must be at least 21 years old and married for at least one year.

"My husband has been my biggest fan since day one," said Rodgers of Kenneth, her husband of seven years who helps her with her training and weight lifting. Rodgers' family includes sons, Derrick and Damon; stepdaughter, Kelly; and stepgranddaughter Kylee.

"My friends and family have all been incredibly supportive. I couldn't have done any of it without them."

Through her participation in pageants, Rodgers said she hopes her sons learn from her experience.

"I love knowing that you can't be afraid to do hard things," said Rodgers.

The pageant's preliminary judging will be at 8 p.m. July 11 with the finals at 8 p.m. July 12. Tickets will be available from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. only on those days. Preliminary tickets are $60 for adults and $35 for children, and finals tickets are $75 for adults and $35 for children.

If you know of a worthy candidate for this column, mail information to Newsmakers, Las Vegas Review-Journal, P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125-0070, or send faxes to 383-4676.