By Terri Frazier and Cody Thomason

The Vicksburg Post

The Magnolia Prince and Princess crowning was held last night at the Vicksburg Convention Center, kicking off the Miss Mississippi Pageant festivities.

Geared for ages 7 to 10, the Magnolia Prince and Princess mentoring program allows young children the opportunity to get a first hand glimpse at what goes into the making of the pageant if someday they have an interest in competing in or working on the Miss Mississippi Pageant.

Last night, 147 princesses were crowned and three princes were presented a medal.

“I wanted to be a princess because I’ve watched Miss Mississippi since I was really little, and I’ve always wanted to be in it, and last year was my first time doing it and I loved it, so I wanted to come back and do it this year too,” Lily Wright said.

Addison Smith said she was excited about being a princess also.

“You can meet new friends and it’s really fun,” Smith said.

Meanwhile, Payton Hamilton said he was excited to be a prince because it gave him the opportunity to practice working on stage.

“I wanted to be a prince because this is my second year, and I just really wanted to do it so I could really experience if I wanted to be an actor, and I wanted to do it to see some friends,” Hamilton said.

The contestants seem to enjoy the program as much as the kids, with Miss Mississippi State University Callie Brown saying it was the highlight of her week.

“I absolutely love it,” Brown said. “When we come in from practice every day we’re so tired, and then we see the girls and get to visit with them, and it just kind of rejuvenates them and reminds us why we’re really here.”

Katelyn Perry, Miss Delta Blues, was also thrilled for the opportunity to spend time with the kids.

“I’ve been that little girl who’s looked up to the title holders and looked up to Miss Mississippi, so getting to be that older girl that they can look up to now is just the best,” Perry said.

Contestants, along with their princes and princesses, will begin rehearsals today for the pageant that is set to begin Wednesday.

Tickets are still available for the preliminary competitions, but Saturday night’s final competition and crowning are already sold out. However, for those interested in being put on a waiting list, they can call 601-638-6746.

The cost for Wednesday and Thursday’s preliminary competitions are $30 and $40 for Friday’s competition. Tickets are available online or by calling the Miss Mississippi Pageant office.

For more information about the Miss Mississippi Pageant, visit missmississippipageant.com.