The Miss Pahrump Pageant has long been a cherished tradition in the heart of Pahrump, and behind the scenes is a devoted group of women who have helped preserve its legacy while continuing to shape it for future generations. At the center of the pageant’s leadership are board members Judy Maughan, Cindy Colucci, Terri Wulfenstein, and Janet Errett—each of whom plays a vital role in ensuring the event remains a celebration of community, poise, and personal growth.
The pageant began in 1976, the vision of Ray Wulfenstein, then president of the Chamber of Commerce and father of board members Cindy and Judy. “He wanted to promote the town in a fun and visible way,” Judy explained. Inspired by the grandeur of the Rose Parade and its reigning queen, Ray decided that Pahrump needed a queen of its own to lead its local parade. From that spark, the Miss Pahrump Pageant was born. “He had some friends from Las Vegas, a French couple, Marcel Le Bon and his wife, who helped host the pageant for the first few years. Marcel would even serenade the girls. It was truly a community event.”
The pageant began with traditional categories like swimwear, evening gown, and an onstage question. Judy, who participated in the 1984 pageant, recalled the early days fondly. “We didn’t have a talent category back then. That came later, probably in the ‘90s.” As time went on, the categories evolved, reflecting changing values. By the early 2000s, the swimwear category was removed and casual wear was added. Today, the judged elements include Photogenic, Casual Wear, Talent, Formal Wear, and Onstage Interview.
As the pageant matured, so did its role in the Fall Festival, formerly known as the Harvest Festival, often matching the event theme. “In the ’90s, we started having the girls wear theme-related costumes and give speeches to accompany them,” said Terri. “It allowed the girls to show their creativity and connect with the festival more deeply.”
The pageant has moved venues multiple times—from the Bob Ruud Community Center, to the high school gymnasium, to Saddle West, which hosted the event in the 90s and has graciously been the official location for the event since 2012. “Saddle West doesn’t charge us for the space,” Terri said. “They’re incredibly accommodating and supportive of what we do.”
Over the years, there have been a few gaps in the tradition. “2001, 2009, and 2020,” said Judy, referencing the three years the pageant didn’t take place, the most recent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But each time it’s paused, community members have rallied to bring it back. “The pageant has always come back stronger,” said Janet. “It’s a testament to how much this community values it.”
Janet, who began helping with flowers and gifts in 1997, has become known for her stunning bouquets and thoughtful court gifts. “The girls are spoiled,” she said with a laugh. “But it’s the generosity of this community that makes that possible. Every year we outdo the last.”
Cindy, the fundraiser for the board, emphasized how essential community contributions are. “We don’t charge the girls much to participate,” she said. “We rely 100% on the generosity of local sponsors. And every year, Pahrump steps up. We’re able to give the girls not just a pageant, but an experience.”
That experience includes much more than just the pageant night. “We do a pool and pizza party, a day trip—sometimes to a movie or a play at Spring Mountain Ranch—and lots of bonding activities,” said Terri. “They get to know each other, form friendships, and grow together.”
And that growth is the heart of what the board aims to foster. “We want it to be fun and competitive, but also character-building,” said Judy. “We want these girls to walk away more confident than they came in.” She emphasized that success in the pageant isn’t just about winning. Janet echoed that when talking about her daughter. “My daughter competed four years and didn’t win a single award, but now she runs two departments at her job. She interviews well, presents herself with confidence. That’s a win.”
Girls ages 13 to 18, from entering freshmen to entering seniors, are eligible to compete. Homeschooled students are welcome, but participants must remain residents of Pahrump during their reigning year if crowned. Former queens cannot compete again, but first and second attendants are eligible to return.
Each contestant is encouraged to find sponsors to help cover expenses, and they can participate with minimal personal cost. “We have closets of dresses we loan out. It’s not about who spends the most—it’s about doing your best,” Terri said.
Talent is another category where creativity is welcome. “People think talent has to be singing or dancing,” said Judy. “But we’ve had girls crochet, paint, give monologues, even present on rodeo and archery. It’s about how you present it.” Terri added, “Several of those girls have actually won the talent category. It’s not about flash—it’s about heart.”
Pageant week is an intensive and transformative time. “We spend a week and a half with these girls,” Judy said. “We remind them that only one of them will leave with the crown, and we ask them to be happy for whoever it is. That’s a life skill—learning to be a graceful winner or loser.”
At the end of the night, a queen is crowned along with her first and second attendants. Category winners are also recognized, as are Miss Congeniality (chosen by the contestants) and the Director’s Award, which goes to the girl who demonstrates growth, character, punctuality, and kindness.
The reigning queen is expected to complete a community service platform throughout the year and represent the pageant at events such as the Fall Festival Parade, Nevada Day Parade, and other local functions. Upon successful completion of her responsibilities, the queen receives a $500 scholarship. “That’s our way of encouraging follow-through,” Cindy said. “Next year, we’ll be giving at least three scholarships, as we have three past queens who will be Seniors.”
As for the judges, they are always brought in from outside of Pahrump. “We never use local judges,” said Terri. “We’ve had Las Vegas TV personalities like Nate Tannenbaum and Tom Hawley, business leaders, and even former athletes. We want a variety of perspectives.” To ensure impartiality, the judges are hosted for dinner before the event and escorted throughout the process to prevent outside influence.
This year’s pageant is scheduled for Friday, June 20 at 7 p.m. at Saddle West with Saitta Trudeau Jeep Dodge and Ram as the Presenting Sponsor. Tickets are $15 for general seating and $20 for VIP, with most tickets distributed through the participating girls. A limited number may be available at the door, but early purchase is strongly recommended. Those interested can also email MissPahrumpPageant@gmail.com for ticket inquiries.
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the Miss Pahrump Pageant. “We’ll definitely do something special to honor our dad,” said Judy. “He started this to promote Pahrump and bring people together. We want to keep doing that.” “But we need to get through this year first,” Terri added with a laugh.
The legacy of the Miss Pahrump Pageant isn’t measured only in crowns or trophies. It’s in the confidence built, the friendships formed, and the lasting impact made on generations of young women who, whether they won or not, walked off that stage stronger than they walked on.
