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MANSFIELD - Miss Ohio Sarah Hider said she's never felt so relaxed as she participates in rehearsals at the Miss Ohio Scholarship Program and prepares to crown her successor on Saturday night at the Renaissance Theatre.
The Miss Ohio Scholarship Program kicks off Wednesday night with Miss Ohio's Outstanding Teen Program followed by Thursday and Friday night Miss Ohio preliminary judging for the 20 contestants who want to be crowned Miss Ohio on Saturday night and then compete for Miss America in Atlantic City.
Hider enjoyed a luncheon with Miss Ohio contestants, their chaperones and host home volunteers at the downtown Mechanics Bank courtyard, where the menu included petite chicken salad sandwiches, salad with strawberries and a pink cupcake with a crown on top.
"Rehearsals have been really fun. We have an amazing show this year. I think it's definitely one of the best shows we've had in a long time," said Hider. "We have some Broadway features, some recent things, some tributes to come wonderful artists that I think everyone will like no matter what genre you enjoy."
Miss Ohio contestants at her table said they were already having a great week.
Miss Oxford Sarah Kingsbury of Naperville, Illinois, a newcomer to the Miss Ohio pageant, said she is amazed and impressed by the Mansfield community which has been so supportive of them from the lunches to the parade.
"Everything has been so wonderful, so thank you," she said.
Miss Ohio River Erin Simonek, of North Royalton, said she is having a great week and competition starts Wednesday morning with private interviews. Another newcomer to the Miss Ohio pageant, she competed last year in the teen program.
Miss Mansfield Lexi Richter of New Bremen said she is really enjoying her time in Mansfield. Making her third trip to the Miss Ohio stage, Richter said she is savoring every experience to make it a memory for the future while in Mansfield this week.
"That's our motto, 'Making memories, having fun,'" she said.
Miss Maple City Gabby Bailey of Dover, has stayed at the host home of Bob and Susie Cleckner three of her four years while competing at Miss Ohio.
"This has been the best year yet," she said.
Bailey said she feels really at ease this time.
"I'm just excited to show what I have this year and share myself to the judges," Bailey said.
Sheryl Weber, a retired teacher who is now a member of the Mansfield Board of Education, also liked the luncheon sponsored by Mechanics Bank where the sounds of the cascading waterfall and music made for a fun atmosphere.
Weber is serving her first year as a Miss Ohio chaperone, transporting Miss North Central Ohio Amelia Hitchens of Newark. a dancer, and Miss Akron Michelle Denny of Canton, a violinist, throughout this week to the theater and events.
"I do it because I feel this is a worthwhile activity for the city of Mansfield, and being retired I have the time to do it," Weber said. "You meet such wonderful young ladies who have ideas and know where they are going and what they want to do and want to make changes and are doing it."
Weber said she is enjoying being the newbie in the group.
Susie Cleckner, who has been employed at Mechanics Bank for 35 years, said it was a new event for the bank to host the contestants this year.
She also has served as a Miss Ohio host home for four years, hosting Bailey and Miss Buckeye Caitlyn Wallhead of Willard this year.
http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/story/news/local/2016/06/14/miss-ohio-contestants-dine-mechanics-courtyard/85862242/