Pretty women find something interesting to do in Pekin

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This must be big news or it wouldn't be on the front page of the Journal Star. The Miss Marigold pageant has been canceled. They can't find eight Pekin women interested in owning the title.

Er, maybe times have changed and women ages 17 to 21 don't think a competition that involves parading around in a puffy dress is worth a $1,000 scholarship. Perhaps WOMEN age 17 to 21 would be considered the biggest dweeb in town if they actually wore the tiara.

Here's a hint to Pekin pageant organizers: Lower the age limit or seriously up the prize money. Little girls love to play dress up. A woman needs more motivation than the mere possibility of $1,000 to invest in a gown, painful waxing, hair teasing, face spackling and then waving for hours with a fake smile plastered on her face.

I've got nothing against pageants, Miss America included. I imagine it's a lot of hard work to get to the top of the pageant circuit. I bet years ago the Pekin pageant had tons of willing, excited contestants.

I also think it is fantastic that girls and women are finding more productive, interesting and important ways to spend their lives.