Miss America 2009 Katie Stam

January 26-30 at 8 p.m.

For the fifth consecutive year, the Miss America pageant will take place at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in the Theatre for the Performing Arts. But pageant fans have even more in store than usual with the addition of Miss Puerto Rico, bringing the contestant number to 53 (which still doesn’t explain the extra two, unless the U.S. has added Russia and possibly a Canadian province?) The pageant is a five-day event where the contestants compete in lifestyle and fitness, interviews, talent and evening wear to earn the title of Miss America 2010. However, if there is hair-pulling and cat fights, unfortunately it will most likely take place where television viewers can’t see. So tune in for the grand, final event on the TLC network as Katie Stam, Seymour, Indiana, passes on her massive title and diadem to her successor.

For those interested in the live action, ticket prices are $71.43 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com.