Miss Maine USA to skip big pageant for wedding

[April 19, 2011]  PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- Miss Maine USA is going to sit out Donald Trump's Miss USA Pageant to attend her big sister's wedding.

NBC moved the Miss USA Pageant from its traditional slot in April to June. Emily Johnson says the new weekend is the only one in which she had other plans -- plans that trump the contest.

Johnson, a Baylor University graduate and accomplished pianist, is allowed to keep her crown, but she's giving up the title, prizes and appearances.

Mackenzie Davis, executive director of the Miss Maine USA pageant, says she understands Johnson's reasoning, but she says Miss Maine is a serious commitment and that she's disappointed Johnson withdrew from her duties.

The state's participant in the Miss USA Pageant will be the first runner-up, Ashley Marble, of Cumberland.

[Associated Press]

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