June 28, 2024 — the inaugural Miss Oregon's Shining Stars Teddy Bear Picnic, held as part of the Miss Oregon week of events before the pageant in Seaside, Oregon, was truly a delightful and enchanting occasion where dreams came to life.

The Event

Participants were invited to bring along their favorite Teddy bear for an afternoon filled with laughter, magic, and memories.

At this event, attendees had the opportunity to rub shoulders with:

  • The radiant Miss Oregon
  • Miss Oregon's Teen
  • The captivating Miss Oregon / Miss Oregon's Teen Class of 2024

— as they spread joy throughout the room. It was a unique chance to mingle with the stars, create lasting friendships, and be part of an unforgettable experience.

More Than a Fun Event

The Teddy Bear Picnic was not only a fun-filled event but also offered a unique opportunity for attendees to make cherished memories with their Teddy bears and the Shining Stars.

It provided a platform for children to immerse themselves in the magical and empowering world of Miss America and the Miss Oregon Scholarship Program — fostering life skills such as:

  • Stage presence
  • Poise
  • Friendship-building
  • Self-confidence

A Testament to the Program's Mission

The event was a testament to the commitment of the Miss Oregon Scholarship Program to provide a platform for personal and professional development for young participants — and to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all involved.

It was a heartwarming reminder that the Miss America Organization's mission extends far beyond the pageant stage. The program invests in young women — and through events like this, also invests in the next generation of young girls who will one day be the delegates themselves.

What Made It Special

For the children who attended:

  • Meeting the titleholders they had been watching on social media
  • Bringing their own Teddy bear — a personal touchstone for kids in a new, exciting environment
  • One-on-one time with delegates who genuinely engaged with them
  • The magic of a room full of crowned women treating them like fellow VIPs

For the delegates:

  • Giving back to the program that had given them so much
  • Practicing the kind of presence and warmth that defines real Miss America representation
  • Building memories with the next generation of girls who might one day stand where they stood

Carrying Forward

Events like the Teddy Bear Picnic are why the Miss America system has endured for over a century — and why local scholarship programs like Miss Klamath County / Miss City of Sunshine continue to attract young women year after year.

The opportunity to inspire a child, build a friendship across generations, and share a magical afternoon together is exactly what the program is about at its best.

Thank you to every delegate, every parent, every volunteer, and every Teddy bear who made the inaugural Shining Stars Teddy Bear Picnic so special.

Until next year.