There are many things Vicksburg is famous for; number one of which is the amazing and iconic history connected to the Civil War. But, there is so much more to Vicksburg.

One of the gems within Vicksburg’s crown (please note the pun) is the fact this amazing river city plays amazing host to the Miss Mississippi pageant — one of the strongest Miss America-based pageants in the country.

But, it is also quickly becoming a training ground for those wanting to take the next step in their pageant ambitions and compete for thousands in scholarship winnings.

This weekend, contestants seeking the title of Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen will converge on Vicksburg. In doing so, they will take part in the 11th annual pageant, marking a decade of growth that has been impressive to watch.

This year, the state arm of the teen pageant will award more than $200,000 in in-kind scholarships to contestants ranging in age from 13 to 17.

And while the contestants spend the next week practicing, interviewing and competing, they will continue to lay the groundwork for even more growth in this particular event and the overall pageant influence in Vicksburg.

This pageant, combined with the Miss Mississippi’s princess program, provides invaluable experience and exposure to those wanting to continue their pageant quest. It gives them behind-the-scenes knowledge of what it takes to reach the state level, and what it might ultimately take to represent the Magnolia State at Miss America.

Vicksburg has a long and storied history with the Miss Mississippi program, a history that — based on the number of participants in this year’s Outstanding Teen program and in the Miss Mississippi princess program — has a long and rich history ahead of it.

Welcome to Vicksburg. We hope you enjoy your stay.