After the 1940's the event was put on hold because of the changing role of the married woman in the American home. In 1976, the national event was revived to honor the modern American married woman. The phases of competition were changed to reflect a healthy, well-groomed, poised, and most importantly, personable woman. Eighty percent of the women who enter are first-time participants. And there is no limit to her professional credentials.
Participants are stay-at home moms, mortgage brokers, flight attendants and teachers.
This years state competition will be held at the City Theater in Biddeford and feature women from all sections of Maine vying for the 2001 state title. Fifty percent of the preliminary scoring takes place in the interview competition and the remainder is divided between the swimsuit and evening gown competitions. All participants must be a citizen of the United States, over the age of 18, resident of Maine, and married. Randi Preis, of Portland, won the title of Mrs. Maine-America 2000 and had the opportunity to represent Maine at the 24th Annual Mrs. America Pageant. Randi, A graduate of the University of Maine, has her bachelor's degree in Education and currently works as a teacher.