Las Vegas Weekly

May 8, 2010 · 3:42 PM

Photos: Miss USA contestants at Fashion Show and Buca di Beppo

By Robin Leach

The 2010 Miss USA Pageant contestants at Fashion Show mall May 7, 2010.

Photo: Matt Petit/Miss USA

The 51 contestants in the 2010 Miss USA Pageant modeled fashions at Fashion Show mall on the Las Vegas Strip yesterday afternoon and then relaxed at an Italian family-style dinner at Buca di Beppo on east Flamingo last night, and part of their evening included learning how to make pasta from Buca di Beppo General Manager and Paisano Partner Ryan Smith.

Activities continue today for the hopefuls as they work with the organization Best Buddies during the day and tonight will be at the Flamingo Go pool and tropical oasis to meet and greet Harrah’s VIP guests and executives. Our thanks to Matt Petit of Miss USA for the photographs and Christopher Rauschnot @24kMedia on Twitter for his videos posted on YouTube.

Unfortunately, there was a sad note to end the night. When Miss Nebraska Belinda Wright returned to Planet Hollywood after Bucca di Beppo, she was taken aside and told that her father had died in a tragic accident. It is believed that it was a tractor accident on the farm.

Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart told me: “Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family at this very difficult time. We would like to welcome her back, but nobody knows if that will be possible. She has gone home to deal with this tragedy.”

The Miss Universe Organization, which owns the Miss USA Pageant, has just released an official statement from Paula: “Belinda flew home to be with her family and loved ones during a tragic time. We are heartbroken for her loss but inspired by her strength and spirit.

“Sadly, the show must go on, and the 50 contestants who remain in Las Vegas are more committed to making this a show that will make Belinda proud. Although she is not physically here, her presence remains. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with her during this difficult time.”

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

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Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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