The 2026 Miss New York and Miss New York Teen competitions are coming to Rockland County this month.
Contestants will be in Rockland County from June 23–27, with public events taking place Thursday, June 25, through Saturday, June 27. The competition rounds will take place in SUNY Rockland Community College’s Cultural Arts Center, a 500-seat theater.
Miss New York goes on to the Miss America competition. Past Miss New York winners who became Miss America include current Chappaqua resident and Miss America 1984 Vanessa Williams and this year’s Miss America, Cassie Donegan.
Sloane Lewis, executive director of the Miss New York Scholarship Organization, said Donegan will be in attendance.
Who competes and why
Contestants come from local or regional competitions; others can apply as “open title” competitors and can then be selected to participate.
The motivator: scholarships.
Miss New York bills itself as a “women’s empowerment program.”
Scholarships, in partnership with the nonprofit organization Choice for All, are offered to help pay for a first college degree, advanced degrees, or technical education.
A tourism and branding boon
Rockland County Director of Economic Development & Tourism Jenna Nazario said that hosting the Miss New York pageant was an honor and an opportunity to showcase the county.
“This event not only highlights our vibrant small businesses, rich history, and unique experiences, but also shines a well-deserved spotlight on the RCC Cultural Arts Theater as a premier destination for the performing arts,” Nazario said.
“The county and the leadership at Rockland Community College have shown immense support and commitment to making it an unforgettable experience for our contestants, their families, and the audience in this wonderful community,” Lewis of the Miss New York organization said in a statement.
RCC President William Mullaney said hosting Miss New York “provides an opportunity to showcase the beauty and versatility of our theater, highlighting its potential as a premier destination for arts, culture, and community events in Rockland County.”
How to attend
Miss New York competitions take place in RCC’s Building 7 Cultural Arts Center, 145 College Road, Suffern.
Prices vary, and discounts are available with multiple-event purchases. Events include:
There’s also a Masquerade Gala, slated on June 26 before the final competition, at 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 26 at the Nyack Center, 58 Depew Ave., Nyack. Tickets are $65; youth 12 and under are $25.
Ticket purchases and information: ticketor.com/missnewyork
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Miss New York competition coming to Rockland. See when, where
Reporting by Nancy Cutler, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
