October 11th at The Leslie Phillips Theater at Holyoke Community College

2026 Competition Due Dates and Mandatory Events

If you are planning to compete, we suggest getting started on these requirements and paperwork PRIOR to the info session.

Mandatory Requirements:

Financial Requirements 

• Miss America Opportunity Membership Program Competitors must join MAO’s Membership to participate in the Local Competitions. 

• Due 10/1

  1. Please go to www.missamerica.org and click on “Sign Up” at the top of the home page. 

  2. On the drop down menu, click “Register”.  

  3. Then complete the form. 

  4. Pay the ONE-TIME PER SEASON Membership fee costs $49.99.

  5. Submit your membership

• Once membership is established, Competitors will receive the Delegate Agreement to complete and submit to MAO. This Agreement must be submitted before Competitors can choose which Local Competitions to participate in. 

• $50 Registration Fee Donation To Miss Western MA Org. Can be check or Venmo)

  • Due 10/1

• American Heart Association Fundraising Fee - Minimum $30 fundraising to support American Heart Association x Miss America. Click HERE for more information

  • Registration Due 10/1

  • Funds Due 10/10

Paperwork Requirements - Due Electronically by October 1 at 11:59pm 

1. Fact Sheet - Submitted Online

2. Community Service Initiative  - Submitted Online

3. Talent Music / Talent Description - HerStory Details - Submitted online 

4. Miss Western Massachusetts Scholarship Org Contract Addendum -Submitted online 

All paperwork, and additional information can be found HERE: Competitor Resource Drive and Resource Site

Not Mandatory, but highly encouraged: 

• Help share our online 50/50 Raffle! Click the link for more info and social media graphics to share. Tickets are $10 each and we will pull the winner on stage at the competition! 

• Sell tickets to our 2026 Competition - presale starts October 1 - ticketing link TBA

• Bring a raffle basket for our fundraiser at the show!

• An On-Stage Award will be given to the contestant with the highest fundraising abilities!

Competition Day Overview:

• To learn more about the competition, please visit the following link: Phases Of Competition

• You will compete in the following phases:

  • Interview (Judges will be prepared with your Fact Sheet and Community Service Initiative)

  • On Stage Question (questions related to your Community Service Initiative)

  • Fitness 

  • Talent or HerStory ™ *Click the link to learn more about HerStoryTM

  • Evening Gown

• For more information about the required attire for the competition, please visit the following link: Attire & Packing Lists

You are responsible for ALL competition wardrobe and accessories (aside from your Opening Number TShirt. Note: Fitness Wear must be purchased from the Rebel Fitness x Miss America Collaboration)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Miss - Ages 18-28: must be no OLDER than 28 on September 30, 2026, and no YOUNGER than 18 on September 1, 2026 (Birth Dates Eligible: October 1, 1997 – September 1, 2008)

• Teen - Ages 14-18: must be no YOUNGER than 14 by September 1, 2026 and no OLDER than 18 on September 30, 2026 (Birth Dates Eligible: October 1, 2007 – September 1, 2012)

• Must live, work, or attend school full time in Western Massachusetts

  • If you are a teen with birth dates: October 1, 2007 → September 1, 2008 - you can choose either