MISS CALIFORNIA TOURING FRESNO FOR UPCOMING PAGEANT

Miss California cruised into town on a city bus, getting the word out that it's pageant time. (KFSN)

By Tony Cabrera

Monday, June 13, 2016 05:25PM

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) --

In less than two weeks, the Miss California contestants arrive at Fresno's Saroyan Theater.

But, Monday, last year's winner was in town to officially kick off the new pageant year for a title many girls dream of.

"Who doesn't want to be Miss California?" Miss California 2015 Bree Morse asked. "It's the best state, in my opinion."

Miss California cruised into town on a city bus, getting the word out that it's pageant time.

And she's getting some help with an advertisement plastered on about 20 buses.

"The reason to do that is to be able to promote the pageant to the entire city," George Juarez with the organization said.

It's been held in Fresno for the past 30 years, and, typically, they get families and friends of contestants throughout the state.

"Its such a perfect location to have it because it is so central to California," Morse said. "We have girls up north, down south. I'm from Orange County originally, so it's such a fun trip to be able to come here."

Now, they're trying to get more locals to come out, to not just watch a good show, but also support contestants from this area, like Miss California's outstanding teen Avery Grooms.

"All my friends got to come because they live here and it was a big deal," Grooms said.

This year, organizers hope to fill every seat in the house, and they hope the people who come get to witness the crowning of a future Miss America.

"We will crown the Miss California that will compete for Miss America in Atlantic City, and that's going to happen," Juarez said. "We're going to bring Miss America to Fresno."

"Everyone should be coming out," Grooms said. "It could be a potential Miss America, I would want to be here to meet her, and I mean it's fun to watch, it's entertaining."

Entertaining, whether you're from the Central Valley or somewhere else.

"Not too hot for you here in Fresno?" an Action News reporter asked.

"Not at all, it is perfect right now," Morse said. "Come July, we'll see about the weather, but it's nice to bask in the sunshine."

http://abc30.com/society/miss-california-touring-fresno-for-upcoming-pageant/1384304/