PARKER, Colo. — The Mrs. Ohio America Pageant is now accepting applications from married women to represent Shelby County as a state finalist in the 2016 pageant next spring in the Columbus area.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, residents of Ohio and U.S. citizens, and married at the time of the pageant.

“We are looking for articulate, well-rounded, beautiful married women with an interest in competing,” said Emily Stark, director the Mrs. Ohio America Pageant. “Our state finalists represent married women of all ages, backgrounds and occupations. Some have children, many are involved in their community, and all of them are remarkable in their own way. Majority of the contestants have never participated in a pageant before so this is a great way to step out of their comfort zone and grow as a person. There is no age limit or height requirement and no talent performance. We believe that being a married woman and juggling all of life’s responsibilities is talent enough.”

The Mrs. Ohio America Pageant is entering its 40th year of competition. The winner will represent Ohio at the Mrs. America Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada. For information or to apply, visit www.mrsOHamerica.com or call 303-593-1199.