The 66th annual Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant begins at 8 p.m., Wednesday, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, with 37 contestants vying for $100,000 in scholarship funds, and the opportunity to compete in the Miss America Pageant.

The contestants spent a portion of their time going through their dance routines during rehearsals at the Civic Center, Monday.

“We think there is something in the show for everybody,” Jimmy Exum said. “There is a little gospel tune, rock and roll and a contemporary number.

“They all came well prepared.”

As did Exum, who is working his 50th pageant, and is serving as the organization’s president.

Exum said financially, he figures the pageant will mean about $2 million to the Jackson economy.

Rehearsal continues Tuesday, for about one hour, Exum said, and interviews follow.

Competition continues at 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday, with the final Saturday evening.

(PHOTO: Miss Tennessee Scholarship contestants prepare for rehearsals at the Carl Perkins Civic Center, Monday)
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