The GFWC Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs has been a close ally of the Miss Alabama organization for decades.

The Miss Alabama Pageant is a competition that selects the representative for the state of Alabama to compete in the annual Miss America Competition.

For the past 100 years, Miss America has been one of the country’s most recognizable names. This scholarship program has provided an opportunity for young women to make a difference in people’s lives through their charitable and community service endeavors, using the national platform to educate millions of Americans on issues facing the nation.

Miss Alabama has been a competitor in the Miss America Pageant system for the past century, excepting a few years. Miss Alabama and Miss America were not held in 1928-1932, 1934 and 2020.

The GFWC Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs awards an annual scholarship to the winner of the Miss Alabama title. Our Book Lovers Study Club, along with other GFWC Alabama clubs, donates annually to this scholarship. 

Russellville has had many girls who have participated in the Miss Alabama Pageant. Denise Davis won the Miss Alabama title in 1976.

In addition, for the past several years, GFWC Alabama has hosted a luncheon for all contestants and staff following the annual orientation in Birmingham. The luncheon allows for the young women competing to become better acquainted and gives Federation members an opportunity to meet the outstanding ladies who compete each year.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Miss Alabama Pageant, many activities and events have been planned. One special commemoration of the anniversary will be the publication of a Miss Alabama 100th Anniversary Cookbook.

Because of the ongoing generosity of GFWC Alabama and its members, the Miss Alabama program has invited GFWC Alabama members to submit recipes to be included in the cookbook. These cookbooks will be available soon.

The Miss Alabama organization is presenting a program called Muscle Shoals Music…. You’re Welcome! March 19 at UNA Norton Auditorium in Florence. This concert celebrates the 100th anniversary. Many titleholders and former Miss Alabamas with ties to the Muscle Shoals music industry will  share their talents: Dedra Eastland Pennington, Denise Davis Arnold, Miss Alabama 1976, Sweet Tea Trio, Alison McCreary Gengelbach, Miss Alabama 1996, and Tiara Pennington, Miss Alabama 2019 and 2020. All of these fabulous entertainers either have roots in the Muscle Shoals area or recorded their songs in the area.