Tennessee’s premier beauty pageant takes the stage at 8 p.m., today, at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.
The Miss Tennessee Volunteer Scholarship Pageant will feature 36 ladies competing in talent, evening wear and fitness – with each vying for $125,000 in scholarships.
“We’re so proud and lucky to present $125,000 in scholarships this year, which is the most of any pageant, any system has ever given away,” Val Exum said, “We’ve had such great local support from individuals to businesses.
Exum, the pageant’s ticket chairperson, said $25,000 will be awarded to the winner.
“With the community support, that is the only way we are able to do it,” Exum said, “But the money we bring into the city is unbelievable. The economic impact is about $2 million.
“We have about 200 volunteers working the pageant, but with the ticket sales we’ve had, we had to bring in an extra employee.”
The pageant also continues the tradition of featuring a 16-piece orchestra – the only live stage band in any pageant, nationally.
Jackson native and Nashville resident Chris McDonald, a 1972 graduate of Jackson Central-Merry High School, arranges the music and serves as the orchestra’s conductor.
Competition continues through Saturday, when Christine Williamson crowns the new Miss Tennessee Volunteer Scholarship Pageant winner.
“The next step for the winner will be to serve as the Governor’s spokesperson for Character Education, where she will have the ability to interact with children … throughout the state.”
For ticket information call Val Exum, 425-8590.
(PHOTO: Pearl Clarkin, Miss Riverview, during rehearsal, Wednesday)
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