The Russia's Beauty National Beauty Contest passed in the capital of Karelia

On July 25 final show of the National Beauty Contest Russia's Beauty - 2008 passed on the Onego quay of Petrozavodsk. For the first time in the history of one of the oldest domestic beauty contests (exists since 1995) in which the best beauties of the country participate was held in one of the regions of Russia.

The Russia's Beauty - 2008 organizers have chosen Karelia on purpose, because the last year's second winner of the 13th Russia's Beauty contest held in Moscow was a native of Petrozavodsk, the Petrozavodsk State University student Valentina Kozhevnikova, who conceded the main crown to Moscowite Natalia Andreeva. Before her in 2002 title of the Russia's Beauty was won by Ekaterina Filimonova of Petrozavodsk. According to the Russia's Beauty contest director Tatyana Andreeva, it is very likely, that the show will adopt a new tradition to hold it in that region of the country represented by the winner of the previous competition. "Last year the winner was a girl from Karelia, and, under the offer of the government of the republic, our general partner, we have decided to hold the competition here. We want the contests to be held in regions further on the same way, as it is a good opportunity for Russian spectators to get acquainted with the most interesting places of our native land," she has told.

During the preliminary selection of 120 participants it has been selected 67, and 63 have taken part in the finals. Preparation of participants for the competition was held in the Chernye Kamni (Black Stones) tourist complex in Sortavala. Then the rehearsal period proceeded in Petrozavodsk. The very first winner of the beauty contest Miss Moscow-88 held in the USSR in 1988, and nowadays the yoga coach Maria Kalinina supervised the rehearsal stage.

In 2008 the contest is held within the Year of the Family officially declared the year of development of family priorities, mother spirituality and feminine beauty as national property. Therefore, the same days there passed charitable actions at participation of the contest members. They have visited the republican veterans' home and Petrozavodsk children's home, talked to veterans. Contenders to the title of the Russia's Beauty presented articles of child care and home appliances to the children's home, and a new refrigerator to the veterans' home.

The Russia's Beauty - 2008 contest winner became the 20-years-old student of Siberian State University of Railway Communication Sofia Larina, who was representing the Kemerovo region. She will represent Russia at the Miss Universe international contest. Among the three prize-winners there are: the I Vice Miss Ekaterina Kopylova (Tver), the II Vice Miss Zhanna Vlasevskaya, native of the Kemerovo region, as well as the winner, althouth this time she's been represdenting Kuzbas, and the III Vice Miss Anna Vishnevskaya (St.-Petersburg).

Organizers and winners of the contest were cordially greeted by the Head of the Republic Sergey Katanandov. We are glad, that on the Year of the Family Karelia became the first region of the country which has the honour to receive a relay race from Moscow to hold this contest, he has told. Its motto says: To the prosperity of Russia through harmony and beauty!» These qualities have always featured Karelia's nature praised by famous poets, writers and artists.»

Unlike similar Moscow shows (last year's competition passed in the Kremlin), citizens of Petrozavodsk could see it free of charge. Equipment for the show was delivered to Petrozavodsk from Moscow. The leading Russian news media covered the contest. During the show citizens of Petrozavodsk enjoyed performances of the Russian stage stars. The TV vision of the contest is coming soon on the NTV channel. Spectators will see there both the contest members and unique nature of Karelia.