It is that time of year again, when the smell of lumber and sounds of hammers can be detected at the Vicksburg Convention Center. Crews arrived yesterday to begin work on the Miss Mississippi Pageant stage, with more workers to arrive throughout the week to assemble sound and lighting.

Forty-four contestants will be vying for the crown during the 59^th annual event, which is set to run June 22 through 25.

The contestants will begin arriving Saturday for rehearsals, and at 7 p.m. the 11^th annual Magnolia Prince and Princess crowning ceremony will be held.

On Sunday, registration, a brief devotional and a welcome from city officials will be held for the contestants, which will be followed by more rehearsals.

The first public appearance by the contestants will occur at the annual Miss Mississippi Pageant Parade, which will roll along Washington Street beginning at 7 p.m. Monday.

Following the parade an autograph signing will be held at the Outlets at Vicksburg, 4000 S. Frontage Road, until 9:30 p.m.

More autograph opportunities will be available with the contestants from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at George Carr and from 10:30 to noon June 23 in downtown Vicksburg.

Preliminary competitions will begin Wednesday and run through June 24. The final night of competition and the crowning, which will be televised, will be held June 25. All competition will begin at 8 p.m. at 1600 Mulberry St.

Following the crowning, a party honoring the newly crowned Miss Mississippi will be held at the Lady Luck Arena, 1380 Warrenton Road.

Tickets for the Miss Mississippi Pageant are $125 for all four nights, $30 for June 22 and 23, $40 for June 24 and $50 for June 25. For more information, call 601-638-6746, visit the official website or download the Miss Mississippi mobile app, which will let you purchase tickets, vote on contestants, watch the live stream and receive important updates.