Miss Philadelphia is not only about pretty girls (although all of them are). It’s a lot more than that. They promote community service throughout the region as well as higher education. First Place receives $10,000 in scholarships (1st Runner Up $1,500, 2nd Runner Up $1,200, 3rd Runner Up $1,100 and 4th Runner Up $1,000). Not only Drexel University hosts (once again) the pageant at their Mandell Theater location, they also will match the winnings if the winners decide to go to their university.

Let’s introduce this year’s judges: C.R. “Chuck” Pennoni (Drexel President Emeritus), Jamison Uhler (NBC 10), Darrel German (TD Bank), Nicole Brewer (CBS 3 and 2005 Miss Pennsylvania), Angela Busby (Miss Kansas 2003), Michael Florsheim (Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia) and Dan Gross (Philadelphia Daily News; check out his blog at www.Phillygossip.com).

The evening’s host is a well known name with the Philadelphian’s: Tom Lamaine (KYW TV). For 19 years many known him as the face behind the “weather man” at the station. What you might not know is that he is also a retired veteran. His co-host was the beautiful Ronica Liccciardello, a former Miss Philadelphia herself (2005).

With that said, this is a photography blog :), so let’s see some pictures….

The evening’s hosts…

Miss Philadelphia Executive Director – Kevin McAleese (also a retired veteran)

Guest appearances by Miss Pennsylvania Outstanding Teen 2009 …

And a beautiful performance by Kate Cohen – Miss Philadelphia 2000

A tap dance by Shannon Doyle – Miss Pennsylvania 2009

And a couple of songs from Miss Philadelphia 2009 – Ryann Richardson

After all this entertainment, I’m sure the contestants got inspired for their next step: talent competition. It ranged from singing, to violin playing, to acting, to pop dancing, to contemporary dancing, to …. Enjoy…