The 5th annual Miss Malibu pageant takes place Aug. 23.
By Kim Devore / Staff Writer
Miss California USA Tami Farrell is getting ready to crown a new beauty at the upcoming Miss Malibu contest. The 5th annual Miss Malibu pageant takes place Aug. 23 at a private estate on Point Dume.
“The pageant will include 40 contestants who have served as community leaders and are top achievers both academically and philanthropically,” said pageant organizer and Pepperdine University graduate Kristen Bradford.
The contestants do not have to be from Malibu, but Bradford said there will be quite a few local faces in the crowd.
Bradford said she’s especially pleased with how the pageant has grown during the past few years.
“We started out at Malibu High with just 10 to 15 contestants. Now we have celebrity judges and hosts and great prize packages,” Bradford said. “I am thrilled.”
Bradford founded the pageant in 2005. The former beauty queen participated in the Miss Greater Los Angeles pageant and represented the City of Malibu at the Miss California USA pageant in 2003.
Prizes for this year’s contest include modeling assignments, walk-on TV roles and jewelry as well as fitness programs and spa services.
There are three categories in the competition-swimsuit, evening gown and interview. Contestants range in age from 19 to 26. There is a separate Miss Teen Malibu for ages 14 to 18. Special awards will also be given out for Miss Congeniality, Miss Photogenic and Miss Community Service.
Farrell was named Miss Malibu last year. She was also the first runner-up in the Miss California USA pageant. Farrell was thrown into the national spotlight earlier this year when Miss California USA winner Carrie Prejean ran afoul of pageant bosses and was fired. Farrell was named the new Miss California USA and assumed Prejean’s official duties.
Although her additional title wasn’t expected, Farrell said taking on the role was “exciting and a real honor.” Her involvement has also helped boost the profile of the contest. “Having Tami around has done wonders,” Bradford said. “All the attention has been great for Miss Malibu.”
The reigning Miss Teen Malibu is Greer Grammer, daughter of local actor Kelsey Grammer.
This year’s Miss Malibu festivities kick off on Aug. 23 at 2 p.m. with a poolside pre-party. The pageant follows at 4 p.m. and features a fashion show by Prophetik and entertainment by Ryan Cabrera and American Idol finalist Michael Johns. Celebrity judges include music man Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Linda Thompson, National Lampoon President Timothy Durham and socialite Khloé Kardashian. Farrell and KTLA’s Ross King will host the festivities.
The pageant winners will go on to compete in next year’s Miss California USA contest.
A portion of the weekend’s proceeds will benefit Ludacris’ children’s foundation.
More information on the contest and related activities can be found online at www.missmalibu.com