West Springfield Day

Today was the day that I have been waiting for... WEST SPRINGFIELD DAY at the BIG E! The Big E is a fair in my hometown that has fantastic opportunities for shopping, meeting new people, riding a Big Yellow Slide, and eating some of the most delicious food that New England has to offer! Each day at the Big E is designated a “state day” and since it is held in my hometown of West Springfield, MA there is a West Springfield Day too. I thought that I wouldn't be able to attend the Big E this year due to the filming schedule of the Miss America Reality Show. You can imagine how excited I was when I heard that the filming was pushed back a week and I would be able to go! I can remember waiting to be let out of school, free attendance ticket in hand, and rushing to the gates of the Big E to enjoy West Springfield day with my friends and family. This year it would be even more special...

The people at the Big E were very supportive of the Miss America Organization! They allowed me to set up a table in th Massachusetts Building where I could accept donations on behalf of the Children's Miracle Network. I spent the morning greeting and talking with individuals about both the Miss America Organization and CMN. The vendors in th Massachusetts Building were generously offering me delicious food for my fundraising efforts! I met many wonderful individuals who truly touched my heart with their generosity and encouraging words. One elderly woman called me to her side and kept pointing at my face. She motioned for me to bow my head and I thought that she wanted to take a closer look at my crown or to see how I kept it on. Instead, she pulled my head closer and kissed me blessingly on the forehead. It was a beautiful gesture and made me realize that I am affecting people young and old.

After lunch, I made my way to line up for the West Springfield Day parade. While there, I was thrilled to see the Pee-Wee, Junior, and Senior Cheerleading Squads from West Side! Being a former cheerleader, I enjoyed catching up with the girls and having photos taken. It was almost surreal because not too long ago, I was one of them and never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I would be “Miss Massachusetts” going on to compete for “Miss America”... During the parade, I was lucky enough to be accompanied by my Mom, Dad, and Mema in a gorgeous light blue Mustang. I could tell that they were having a blast waving and talking to the crowd!

When the parade came to an end, I was allowed to walk around the fairgrounds wearing my crown and banner. I was amazing to see so many people that I knew well or had gone to school with... It is so inspiring to talk with old friends and it keeps my feet planted firmly on the ground. I'm a small town girl who has been blessed with amazing opportunities and I will never take that for granted.

Love, Alicia