By Staff
WELCOME Karinlee Brister of Pike County, left, and Shelley Wright of Leake County sign in for the 2001 State Junior Miss Program, which is being held in Meridian this week. They talk with board members Wendy Moore, seated, and Robert Schambura. Photo by Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star.
By Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
July 30, 2001
A hectic week of interviews, competition and making new friends began in earnest today for 40 candidates hoping to become Mississippi's next Junior Miss.
They arrived in Meridian on Sunday and, after an orientation program, moved in with their host families.
The girls signed in at State Junior Miss Program headquarters, located at the Holiday Inn Express. Pictures were taken and introductions were made.
The program begins Thursday night at the Temple Theatre. The programs start at 7:30 p.m. on the first two nights, and at 8 p.m. on Saturday night.
The schedule is almost non-stop for the girls. The contestants and their host families were treated to a party at the carousel Sunday night. This morning, they were to start practicing for their upcoming performances.
After practicing until 11 a.m. today, they will go to the Bonita Lakes Mall to be fitted for Tuesday's fashion show. The fashion is slated for 6 p.m. at the mall.
The contestants attend the "Judges Party" on Wednesday night, where each girl will be interviewed by the program judges.
Tickets remain on sale at the Temple Theatre, but officials say they are going fast.
Steve Swogetinsky is regional editor of The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3217, or e-mail him at sswogetinsky@themeridianstar.com.