Married women traipse around in evening gowns, escorted by their husbands dressed in formal tuxedos. They walk onto the stage, and hours spent in the gym pay off as aerobic wear takes the spotlight. These women compete for the annual Mrs. Ames title.

Carol C. Bousquet, reigning Mrs. Ames, serves as an ambassador for the city. Representing the community, she makes various appearances “with class and style … to make our community proud,” Bousquet said.

Although Bousquet said she is a city planner by training, she has ties to Iowa State. She was adjunct professor in community and regional planning last semester but could not continue this semester due to scheduling conflicts.

“I was offered that opportunity and was really grateful. I look forward to doing that again,” she said.

Bousquet’s husband, David, is involved with ISU as assistant vice president for enrollment.

The Mrs. Iowa International pageant is funded by the Easter Seal Society of Iowa and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The pageant’s focus is primarily on family values and community involvement. According to a press release, Mrs. Iowa International is a pageant “Recognizing the Virtues of Family, Professional and Community Involvement among Married Women.”

To enter the pageant, contestants fill out an application expressing their family and marriage values. Mrs. Ames hopefuls also must explain what they would speak about while making public appearances if chosen to receive the title.

Applicants then undergo a personal interview and appearances in both an evening gown and aerobic wear.

“It was kind of fun to see women in evening gowns and their husbands in tuxedos. Nothing we wore was risqu‚ or anything,” Bousquet said.

Bousquet said beauty is not the main determinant, but added, “I’m sure that you couldn’t be a real dog and win.”

“I’ve never aspired to being in a pageant before. I’ve never done anything like this,” Bousquet said. “But last year I saw an ad in the paper and thought, ‘Oh, why not.'”

Since winning the title, Bousquet has appeared in parades and made various other appearances. She has also received financial and business support from various businesses around the community, including Ames Racquet and Fitness Center, Dave Ostrem Imports in Des Moines, Fitness Image Makers and Ames Grand Cleaners.

Bousquet said she has had the opportunity to take on new and interesting challenges with her title.

“I suppose that I could’ve been a better ambassador for the community, but I’ve just been so busy with my kids in the past year,” Bousquet said.

Bousquet said she has lived in Ames for two years and has enjoyed the opportunities to meet people and be involved in the community as Mrs. Ames.

“It’s really expanded my horizons and given me glimpses at new perspectives,” she said.

Successful Mrs. Ames winners may compete for Mrs. Iowa, Mrs. International USA and Mrs. International. Each successive win provides a trip to another city, state and country, respectively. The woman chosen as Mrs. International receives a prize package worth $5,000.

“This year I think Mrs. International is being held in South Africa, but I’m not sure. Mrs. Iowa just traveled to Texas, and [the Mrs. International USA competition] is going to be televised,” Bousquet said. “I was the fourth runner-up for Mrs. Iowa on May 31,” she said.

Applications are now being accepted for the title of Mrs. Ames 1999. The pageant will be held at the Starlite Village Motel, Restaurant and Lounge, 2601 East 13th St., on May 23, 1999.

Married women living in Ames who are interested in competing in the Mrs. Ames pageant should write to for a form: Mrs. Iowa International Pageant, P.O. Box 11447, St. Paul, Minn., 55111-0447, or call (612) 432-6758.