Mrs. Washington dream becomes reality for Mrs. King County

by Matthew Weaver<br>Herald Staff Writer
| June 5, 2006 9:00 PM

Blair's trek to winner's circle took 23 years

MOSES LAKE — The Mrs. Washington contestant with the fullest arms also took home the biggest prize.

At the 30th Mrs. Washington pageant, which took place in the Moses Lake High School Theater Saturday evening, Mrs. King County, Patricia Blair, 44, was given the crown.

When she accepted her award, Blair was already holding the plaque for Most Years Married, one of two Mrs. Washington state director's awards and the contestant-selected Mrs. Congeniality awards, given to her moments earlier.

Blair said later backstage she was excited and hopes to encourage people with disabilities not give up on their dreams, based on her own experience with multiple sclerosis.

"I had to re-learn how to walk," she explained, noting she first entered the Mrs. Washington pageant 20 years ago, but had to drop out because she had trouble walking. "(I) spent some time in a wheelchair and when I learned how to re-walk about four years ago, I had to ask my therapist to teach me how to walk in high heels. He kind of laughed about it, but he went for it; he was nice. It took 23 years to get here."

During the final part of the pageant, in answer to master of ceremonies and Moses Lake City Councilman Bill Ecret's question about what Blair would do if chosen, she replied she would like to be an ambassador throughout the state for Mrs. America and do well at nationals.

"Because I have multiple sclerosis, I would like to continue making personal appearances to encourage other people with disabilities to keep setting goals for themselves, be active in their communities and of course, never give up on your dreams," Blair said during her reply.

Ecret joked before reading Blair's name that the husband of the winner had permission to run and jump on the stage.

Blair's husband, Nello, said later backstage that he was "very surprised" when his wife's name was read as the winner.

"I said, 'Holy moley, my wife's Mrs. Washington!'" he said with a laugh, also noting this was something Patricia had wanted to do since she was in her 20s.

"It took her a long time before her MS kind of went into remission, so she did it later on in life, and so I'm really happy," he said. "She never gave up. This is what she wanted to do, and it just took her a couple decades, and she still got it accomplished, so never give up."

Blair goes on to Tucson, Ariz., where she will compete for the title of Mrs. America Sept. 6.

The 17 contestants arrived in Moses Lake Thursday, and were filmed in different locations throughout town. At the final competition in the high school, they participated in the swimsuit and evening gown portions of the competition.

"My experience was just wonderful; I learned a lot of new things," said Mrs. Moses Lake Tiffany Cole, adding that she grew during the pageant. "I met a lot of nice girls, we had a lot of fun filming and going out on fun days … It was just a very great time."

State director and Mrs. Washington 1993 Pam Curnel said her experiences with this year's pageant defied superstition, as it was her 13th year in her title.

"This was actually the best year for me," she said. "The camaraderie was the best, the ladies got along very well and my staff — it's the best year ever. I'm more blessed."

Mrs. Washington's fourth runner-up was Mrs. Seattle, Julie Venere. Third runner-up was Mrs. Lilac City, Joan Ambriz. Second runner-up was Mrs. SeaTac, Jennifer Adkisson. First runner-up was Mrs. Tri-Cities, Crystal Scott.

The community service award went to Mrs. Lewis County, Kristin Pace. The volunteerism award went to Mrs. Lilac City, Joan Ambriz. Outstanding Businesswoman went to Mrs. Maple Valley, Tiffany Whitchurch. Most Photogenic tied between Mrs. Spokane, Nicole Williams, and Mrs. Snohomish County, Elizabeth Larson. A second state director's award went to Mrs. Olympia, Dionne Tarter.

The pageant was the second televised in Moses Lake. The pageant will be shown on KONG-TV, channels 6 and 16, in August.