The Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition is now accepting at-large contestant applications.

Eligible individuals who reside in a Mississippi community without an established local program are encouraged to apply to participate in the 2024 competition.

Now in its 75th year, Mississippi Miss Hospitality will commemorate the program’s service to economic development and tourism through a Diamond Jubilee celebration in 2024.

Annually, the competition brings together the state’s best and brightest young women for a week of leadership development as they ultimately compete for the state title and more than $100,000 in scholarships and prizes.

The young woman crowned in 2024 will serve as Mississippi’s Goodwill Ambassador for economic development and tourism, traveling to promote the state through ribbon cuttings, special tourism events, organized appearances, and speaking engagements.

“This is the fifth year the at-large opportunity has been available, and it has proven to be an excellent opportunity for those who were not previously qualified to participate,” Kristen Brock, Mississippi Miss Hospitality program director, said. “Through the at-large program, our advisory board has provided more women a chance to vie for scholarships and champion their hometowns for a year while gaining invaluable experience and relationships.”

Since the addition, ten at-large contestants have competed in Miss Hospitality. These participants have seen tremendous success at state competitions.

Last year, at-large candidate Gracie Bassett of Madison County was awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships through her placement as a fourth alternate.

In 2022, at-large contestant Hannah Grace Crain won the state title, traveling across the country and sharing Mississippi’s story.

Eligible applicants are women between the ages of 18 and 24, residents of Mississippi, high school graduates and have a 2.5 or higher scholastic average.

Additionally, contestants must represent their hometowns, not the community where they attend college.

At-large applications will be accepted by the State Office through Friday, March 1.

The 2024 competition guide, contestant requirements and current application can be found at MissHospitality.com.

An independent panel will select contestants from the at-large candidate pool based upon an established scoring criterion.

This year’s Mississippi Miss Hospitality competition will be held at the historic Saenger Theater in downtown Hattiesburg on July 13 and 14.

Ticket sales will be announced on the program’s social media pages and website in late spring 2024.