If you are a lady age 60 or older who has lived in Chilton County for at least three months, you might just be the next Ms. Senior Chilton County.

Applications are currently being taken for the 2011 Ms. Senior Chilton County Pageant, scheduled to be held Feb. 25 at Thorsby High School at 6 p.m.

The pageant recognizes the fact that senior women can have a very active role in their communities.

“It’s a great outlet for senior women to stay active,” said Pageant Director Wes Gandy. “Seniors are way more active these days, and they used to be perceived as that. Chilton County has been represented very well over the past two years.”

Contestants must prepare for four phases of competition — a 5-minute timed interview (30 percent of the final score), talent (30 percent), evening gown (20 percent) and philosophy of life (20 percent). Ms. Senior Chilton County is a preliminary to the Ms. Senior Alabama pageant.

Gandy said some potential contestants might have been discouraged about the talent portion of the program, but he said he is willing to work with any contestants who are nervous about this and other aspects of competition.

“I want this to be a success,” Gandy said. “We’re hoping it’s going to be a lot bigger this year.”

There are sponsorship opportunities for local businesses. This year, sponsorships have gone down from $200 to $150 apiece due to the economy. A sponsorship gets your company’s name announced at the pageant along with a link on the pageant’s website, msseniorchiltoncounty.com.

“Sponsorship is the big thing,” Gandy said.

Carolyn Vance was crowned the 2010 Ms. Senior Chilton County and went on to compete at the state level.

Applications are available on the website or by calling Gandy at 205-299-2808.