Competing in the Miss Mississippi Competition is not for the faint of heart. From dress rehearsals, to interviews to autograph signings, there is not a moment to spare, therefore when a contestant feels overwhelmed, who better to turn to than a mother?

But moms aren’t allowed to help with day-to-day activities during the competition. A Miss Mississippi Hostess can.

“They are like the girl’s mom away from home,” Miss Mississippi hostess chairman Mary Beth Grogan-White said.

Since 1958, local women in the Vicksburg community have volunteered to serve as Miss Mississippi hostesses. From the moment the contestants arrive in the River City until the winner is crowned a Miss Mississippi hostess is by their side providing everything from helping chauffeur a contestant to and from events, running errands, serving snacks and if need be, offering a shoulder to cry on.

“These women (Miss Mississippi hostesses) are with the contestants all the time, there is always one of us with them all the time during the week,” Miss Mississippi Hostess chairman assistant Jeanine Hanks said. “This is a devoted group.”

And because of the dedication shown, Hanks said, bonds between hostesses and contestants are developed.

“I mean we have been invited to their weddings and family events,” she said.

This year, in addition to Grogan-White and Hanks, Miss Mississippi hostesses are Lynn Baker; Nancy Ballard; Kim Barnes; Nancy Bell; Carole Campbell; Cissy Carter; Carol Duncan; Lori Fagan; Madge Finney; Lynn S. Gerhardt; Torri Ghrigsby; Amy Jackson; Dinnie Johnston; Karla McHan; Ann Morris; Cyndee Nash; Laura Pitre; Stephanie Stirgus; Janell Thames and Ginny White.

Grogan-White said if there are any women who are interested in volunteering as a Miss Mississippi Hostess, they can do so by contacting the Miss Mississippi corporation office at 601-638-6746.