Miss Texas Turns 75

Even after 75 years, she's still Miss Texas.

Started in 1937 in Corpus Christi, the first Miss Texas competition only had eight contestants. That number grew exponentially until 1983 when there were 82 (a record-breaking number of) entries.

Of course, it's not the same kind of competition. Miss Texas organization historian and writer, Randy E. Pruett, explained two of the most important changes that have taken place within the Miss Texas pageant's 75-year history.

"One of the main changes occurred in 1945 when the pageant transitioned from being strictly a beauty pageant to a scholarship pageant that provided money for women to further their education and improve upon themselves," said Pruett. 

The second significant adjustment took place in the mid 1980's. Pruett said that during this time the Miss Texas organization decided to have each contestant "choose a topic or issue that they are passionate about and create a platform around it." The platform and issue each woman chooses will be what she travels around the state speaking about for the duration of her time as Miss Texas.

During this week's competition, concluding on Friday, July 2, audience members can look forward to an exciting display of music, dancing, ball gowns, and crowns.

"Viewers will get a glimpse of what a modern college woman has to offer. These women are highly educated and view this competition as a way to pay for college. The ladies have talent and can think on their feet," says Miss Texas 75th Celebration spokesperson, Joy Donovan.

Among the competition evens, the Miss Texas organization has schedule events looking back at their history, including a tribute brunch featuring more than 40 former Miss Texas winners, as well as Miss America winners Phyllis George and Shirley Cothran -- both former Miss Texas winners. View a complete list of events here.

The next Miss Texas will be crowned July 2. Tickets to the event can be found here. But if you're unable to attend in person, maybe you'd like to sign up for the organization's live webcast? Spots are limited, but available at this address: misstexaswebcast.com

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