Pageant News Bureau - Hit the Beach 2000

P a g e a n t N e w s B u r e a u

A tradition written in sand

Ms. Hit the Beach! 2000

In 1881, a beauty contest was held on a beach in Delaware. Some people consider that event the beginning of the modern American pageant culture.

From left, Regina Falgoust, second runner-up, Chabeli Lopez, last year's winner, Donna Hein, and Desiree Wynn, first runner-up.

In the generations that followed, Delaware had its share of pageant stars. But the state never gained much of a reputation for swimsuit winners, even though its own competitive tradition began with bathing beauties on the seashore.

On Oct. 7, 2000, the pageant history of Delaware came full circle, and wound up back on the beach. Donna Hein of Wilmington was crowned Ms. Hit the Beach! at the international competition in the Bahamas.

Ms. Hein, who is working toward a master's degree in nutrition, has been a model for a decade, and a swimsuit competitor since her early 20s. She described Hit the Beach! as "very fair and very fun."

Since her victory, she is in demand from coast to coast. She is preparing for her first appearance in a music video, and will soon be moving to California to try her luck in the entertainment industry.

Desiree Wynn (right) was first runner-up, and Regina Falgoust (above) was second runner-up.

Ms. Hein may succeed in show business, or she may fall short. But whatever happens, California will never be home. "I've left before," she says with a chuckle, "and sooner or later, I always come back to Delaware."

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