HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - Mississippi Miss Hospitality competition week is finally here in the Hub City.
43 contestants started rehearsing at the Saenger Theater today in preparation for this weekend’s competition.
This year’s theme is America 250.
Competitors are looking forward to showing off their skills and representing the communities that have supported them.
“To be in this competition, it means the world to me because it means a group of people chose me to represent them, and I just hold that honor so dear and near to my heart,” said Ali Cross, representing Forrest County.
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The young ladies have come from near and far for a chance to represent the state and wear the crown this year.
Milan Greer, representing Meridian, says this is her first time competing with any organization.
“So to be here, it just means everything to me,” she said. “It’s really a dream come true to be able to compete for the 77th year.”
2025 titleholder Taylor Garretson, of Greene County, says she’s most excited to see who will take the crown home this year.
“Overall, it’s just been an incredible year, and I look back on it with such fond memories and just so much happiness, and I can’t wait for the next girl to get to experience it,” Garretson said.
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The final night of competition is Saturday. This year’s title holder will receive the largest scholarship in the organization’s history.
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