Miss Universe pageant picks Aug. 23 date, Mandalay Bay resort in Vegas for 2010 pageant

Miss Universe pageant picks time, place in Vegas

LAS VEGAS — Donald Trump and the Miss Universe pageant are making the Las Vegas Strip a summer hotspot for international beauty queens.

The pageant announced Tuesday it will crown its 2010 winner on Aug. 23 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. More than 80 contestants from around the world are expected to participate.

The announcement comes more than a week after 24-year-old Rima Fakih (REE’-mah fah-KEY’) of Michigan was crowned Miss USA in Las Vegas. She’ll represent the United States.

The Miss Universe pageant includes swimsuit, evening gown and interview competitions and is scheduled to air live on NBC and Telemundo. NBC and Trump own the pageant in a joint venture.

Fakih and others are looking to stop Venezuela from a third straight win in the pageant.