Lights, camera, action! The first night of the Miss Volunteer America beauty pageant begins

JACKSON, Tennessee – That’s right, the Miss Volunteer America beauty pageant is back, and the four-day competition begins Wednesday night.

Lights, cameras, action! The annual Miss Volunteer America beauty pageant is taking place again at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in downtown Jackson. This year’s pageant will see 50 contestants vying for the crown. On the first night, each of the 50 contestants representing their home state will take part in a preliminary round.

“One group will compete in the fitness and wellness categories, one group will compete in the talent competition and one group will compete in the evening gown competition tonight,” said Scott Hilburn, chief administrative officer.

The three groups then rotate every night until all fifty contestants have competed in the three categories. The judging criteria consists of four categories in total, the three mentioned above, and an interview they have with the judges before the start of the night’s competition.

“First night is really a big night for these girls. They have worked so hard for so many months for this moment, that’s a lot of nerves. But backstage, when I talked to these girls, there was just a lot of excitement and a lot of gratitude for the opportunity that so many other women wanted,” said Alexa Knutzen, former Miss Volunteer America titleholder.

After three nights of preliminary rounds, the number of participants is reduced on Saturday from 50 to 16, then 12, then 8 and finally to the best 5. The winner is chosen from the best 5.

The competition on Thursday evening will continue at 7 p.m.

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