A cold Wednesday morning at Saroyan Theatre. Is there such a thing as air conditioning working too well?

Contestants waiting to practice their talent numbers are wrapped in blankets and sweaters.

A small group of pageant parents and officials sit in the darkened theater, shuddering, as they watch talent rehearsals. Susan Honaker of Oakley in Contra Costa County watches her daughter, Miss North Coast Nicole Honaker, who's pictured here. Nicole is running through a gymnastics routine to music from "Pirates of the Caribbean."

Susan Honaker says her vacation this year is attending the Miss California Pageant to support her daughter. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," she says.

Best quip of the morning comes from Miss Fresno County Emily Cobb as she stands center stage while sound techies work to adjust the microphone level for her song. "I like to hear my voice," she says playfully. "I'm a big fan of myself."