In the moments leading up to this year's Miss New York competition, 31 women were busy getting ready for the crowning moment Sunday at the St. George Theatre.
Contestants say the pageant is all about preparation.
"I was eating really healthy and working out for swimsuit and doing a lot of interview preparation," said Allison DeLuca, Miss Staten Island.
The day started with a three-hour rehearsal where the girls ran through the entire show from start to finish.
Executive Producer Kimberly Cantoni was there every step of the way.
"Making sure that every single cue is in there to the lighting to the music cue to bringing on props here and there," said Cantoni. "Making sure everyone is in contestant order so it really is a lot of hard work."
Backstage, the competitors perfected their final looks for competition.
Each outfit was carefully laid out for quick changes and last-minute touchups during the show.
After two nights of preliminary competition, the field was narrowed down to a group of 11 girls.
Just five continue to the final round, concluding with the moment everyone was waiting for.
Miss Western New York, Gabrielle Walter, took the crown at this year's pageant.
"I'm so shocked as you can tell my face is teary, oh my gosh, I'm so thankful for this experience and this title is once in a lifetime," said Walter.
Walter will go on to compete at the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City over Labor Day Weekend.