It’s no secret the Miss Mississippi pageant is a boon for Vicksburg. City officials say it’s the single biggest draw of any event held here during the year, bringing in an estimated $2 million into the Vicksburg economy.

The fact that the pageant happens in the summer, which is typically slow for tourism because of our hot weather, is even more significant.

That said, it’s a wonderful opportunity for Vicksburg residents in other ways, too.

Forty-four of Mississippi’s smartest, most talented and most beautiful young ladies in our state will be here for an entire week, honing their skills and making ready for pageant competition Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Plan to attend the autograph-signing event Wednesday morning from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at George Carr, 2950 S. Frontage Road. Contestants will be on hand to chat and to answer your questions and sign autographs.

Can’t make it Wednesday? You’ll have another opportunity on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at a variety of locations downtown along Washington Street.

Competition begins on Wednesday night at 8 p.m. at the convention center. It continues Thursday night and Friday night, culminating in the main event on Saturday. That final competition will end in the crowning of a new Miss Mississippi.

Tickets are still available for each night of the pageant. Take your family and take in what is a professional and entertaining show, all put on by your friends and neighbors here in Vicksburg.

For more information about tickets, call 601-638-6746 or visit missmississippipageant.org.

Enjoy learning about these young ladies who want to represent our state and enjoy our beautiful city and convention center while doing so.

The Miss Mississippi pageant shines a bright spotlight on our city. Our support of the Miss Mississippi pageant is certainly fitting considering all it brings to our community.