The Miss Minnesota Pageant is seeking women to compete for the crown of 2016 Miss Mower County, and subsequently Miss Minnesota.

Women who are single, never been married and never given birth between the ages of 19 and 30 can apply to represent Mower County at the Miss Minnesota pageant, which will be March 12, 2016, in St. Cloud’s Ritsche Auditorium.

The young lady chosen as Miss Mower County will become an ambassador for the county and will receive an official title and sash.

The young lady chosen as Miss Minnesota will receive a prize package worth $7,000 and the chance to represent Minnesota at the 2016 Miss International pageant held in Jacksonville, Florida.

“Go Red for Women” American Heart Association is the official charity of the Miss Minnesota Pageant.

The reigning 2015 Miss Minnesota is Alexis Adu-Bobi of Duluth.

As Miss Minnesota, Adu-Bobi speaks to young adults about “No More,” a campaign end domestic violence and sexual assault.

As a child, her mother, siblings and Adu-Bobi suffered through years of abuse at the hands of her father.  Her mother somehow found the strength to leave, but the aftermath that domestic violence leaves is a legacy of broken lives full of fear, trauma, and mistrust. For more information go to www.nomore.org

Miss contestants will compete in a personal interview, fitness wear, fun fashion wear and evening gown. Young ladies living in Mower County interested in applying should write for a bio-form to Miss Minnesota International Pageant, 7287 West 153rd St. Box 240537, Apple Valley, MN, 55124. Or call for information 952-432-6758, fax 952-953-3896 or email pagunltd@frontiernet.net.