Save the date: Miss Ludington Area 2027 will be crowned on December 20th, 2026 at Peterson Auditorium in Ludington!
Miss Ludington Area 2026: Ashley McPike
First Runner Up: Savannah Hanson
Talent Award: Ashley McPike
Ludington Optimist Club Community Service Award: Ashley McPike
People's Choice Award: Makynzie Curtis
Miss Congeniality: Makynzie Curtis
Miss Ludington Area, Miss Michigan, and Miss America strive to prepare their delegates for real-world scenarios, including professional-style interviews. The private interview will be conducted in a panel-style format, with all judges present in the room. Questions may range from the delegate’s community service initiative to current events. The interview will consist of a 30-second opening statement, 9 minutes of Q&A with the panel, and an optional 30-second closing statement.
The On-Stage Conversation will engage the audience in a conversational perspective on the contestant's ability to have an extemporaneous conversation or respond authentically to a question in a manner befitting a brand ambassador or local/state representative. A question will be asked onstage to each contestant regarding her Community Service Initiative (CSI) or questions involving the social impact of community service. Response(s) should not be longer than 20 seconds.
The Health and Fitness competition is designed to determine the level of fitness of the delegate and to obtain a glimpse into her daily routine and lifestyle. The delegate’s drive, energy, and presence are to be likewise considered. Contestants will wear their choice of fitness outfit from the Rebel x Miss America Collab Red Collection. Judges will evaluate each contestant on the following: Overall First impression of a Dynamic Presence, Radiates Health, High Energy, Engaging Vitality, and a Sense of Confidence.
The Performance Talent/HERstory phase of competition provides an insight into the delegate’s preparatory and performance skills. Consideration is given to whether the delegate’s talent selection fits these skills and her personality. The Talent competition acknowledges the quality of the talent being presented, the technical skill level, and the stage presence of the delegate. In the performance talent or HER Story™ competition, contestants will have 90 seconds to captivate the audience/judges with a talent performance or personal narrative.
The Evening Gown competition offers each contestant the opportunity to publicly present her personal sense of style in a manner appropriate for an appearance as Miss Ludington Area. As a titleholder, she may be called upon to attend formal events making this phase an important reflection of her poise and presence. This competition provides insight into the contestant’s ability to capture attention on stage, her individual stage presence, and her level of comfort, confidence, and composure. Judges also consider the overall impression of her ability to represent the Miss Ludington Area Organization at high-profile events. Scoring is based on how the delegate carries herself and performs in this phase, not on the gown itself or its perceived value.