The Vicksburg Convention Center hummed with excitement Sunday as 45 Miss Mississippi hopefuls signed in, kicking off a busy week of activities.

“It’s the ultimate summer camp with a great prize at the end,” said second-year competitor Miss University Mary Brandon Norman. “I’m just so proud to represent Ole Miss in what I feel is the ultimate way.”

For many, it’s been a long road to the state pageant. Qualifying pageants for Miss Mississippi began in October. After winning their preliminary titles, contestants ages 17-24 worked to improve in competition areas like talent, swimwear and interview.

Miss Southern Magnolia Joy Powell worked hard on her interview skills by keeping up- to-date in current events.

“Interview is so important because Miss Mississippi is all about public engagement. I studied a lot – it’s the first time I’ve had a public library card since I was young,” she said.

After all the preparation, the contestants were glad to finally be at the pageant for its 51st year in Vicksburg.

“It’s a long preparation process and it’s so exciting that it’s here. I’m looking forward to the week,” said Miss Madison County Sarah Beth James.

Many contestants were excited just to see old friends again and, of course, make new ones.

“There are a lot of new faces to get to know,” said third-year veteran Miss William Carey University Abby Boykin.

There are 26 new faces to the Miss Mississippi Pageant, although four are veterans of the Miss Mississippi’s Outstanding Teen program.

If you goThe Miss Mississippi Pageant is Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Vicksburg Convention Center, 1600 Mulberry St. Tickets for all four nights are $100. Single night tickets are available for $25 each for Tuesday and Wednesday; $30 for Thursday; and $50 for Saturday. Tickets for the Miss Mississippi Ball Friday at the Rainbow Arena are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Friday’s 2 p.m. mural unveiling and 7 p.m. parade are free. For more information, contact the pageant office at 601-638-6746.OnlineMiss Mississippi special editon”The first day of the pageant is always so exciting. It is, for some of the girls, a time to rekindle old friendships and for others, to forge new relationships,” said Diane Gawronski, Miss Mississippi press and publicity chairman.

The actual production, which will be televised Saturday night on Jackson’s WLBT, local cable Channel 3, is another cause for excitement.

“The opening number is my favorite,” said second-year alum Miss Meridian Danielle Smith. “I get to ballroom dance, and I’ve never really concentrated in ballroom dancing.”

This year’s theme is “Mirror Ball,” which Smith described as something akin to the television show Dancing with the Stars.

Smith, who was fourth runner-up to Miss Mississippi 2007 Kimberly Morgan, will perform an acrobatic jazz routine for her talent.

“My goal is definitely just excelling – to do the best I can do. If I do that, there’s no stopping me,” she said.

Though keeping the ultimate prize in mind, Miss Hinds County Diana Strickland wants to focus on remembering all of the whirlwind week.

“The last time I competed, nothing really sank in until I got home. I want to focus on enjoying every moment.”

The contestants spent Sunday rehearsing for the show. Rehearsals, interviews and other preparations will continue during the week as preliminary competition begins Tuesday night and lasts through Thursday night. On Friday, the Miss Mississippi river front mural will be dedicated and the public will have a chance to see the 45 contestants in the Miss Mississippi parade, which rolls down Washington Street at 7 p.m.

Miss Mississippi 2008 will be crowned during Saturday night’s telecast.