Early Sunday morning, excitement filled the Vicksburg Convention Center as the 45 contestants of the 2011 Miss Mississippi Pageant arrived, dressed to the nines, and ready to begin a busy week of competition for a chance at the title and the crown.

“It’s a great experience,” said 18-year-old Miss Hinds Community College Taylor Berry. “This is my first pageant, so it was really awesome that I could come here my first year.”

First-timers to the state pageant, 19-year-old Miss Itawamba Community College Presly Forrester and 17-year-old Miss Dixie Chassidy Sumler said they were excited to be here.

As the echo of laughter and chit-chat filled the entrance, Miss Tupelo Lauryn Lee said, “It’s so much fun and it hasn’t even really started.”

This year’s Miss Mississippi pageant will have 26 newcomers to the pageant, including Miss William Cary University Shelby Ryals, who said she was a little nervous and anxious.

Wearing her 2010 Miss Mississippi crown and a calm smile, Sarah Beth James greeted the women as they arrived, while mothers, fathers and friends gave last-minute hugs, kisses and well-wishes.

“It’s like a flood of emotions being here,” James said. “I’m hoping this week will stretch out as long as it can.”

Miss Southern Magnolia Lee Armstrong is one of 19 contestants who have competed in the Miss America-sanctioned pageant before. “This year I know the drill,” she said. “It’s not quite as overwhelming as last year.”

Two of the women are in the pageant for the fifth time.

“It’s exciting, it’s my last year, I’m aging out,” said 23-year-old Miss University Katherine Barkett.

“I’ve graduated and I’m at a new place in my life and I’m feeling very independent,” said Miss Hattiesburg Kristen Benigno.

Last year’s first runner-up, Miss University of Southern Mississippi Jill Duckworth, is back for a second try.

“I can feel all the adrenaline in the room,” she said. She will use the same song for her performance this year, but she’ll be wearing new gowns.

Pageant fans will get opportunities throughout the week to see the contestants, beginning with a parade along Washington Street tonight at 7, followed by an autograph session at the Vicksburg Convention Center. Autograph parties also are scheduled at George Carr Motor Company on South Frontage Road from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Wednesday and at the Outlets at Vicksburg on South Frontage Road from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. Thursday.

Preliminary competition begins Wednesday and runs through Friday. The winner, crowned Saturday night, will represent the state in the Miss America Pageant.

Mississippi has produced four Miss Americas.

Tickets for each night are available at the pageant office or online.