Hunter Anthony, left, Lauderdale County’s Miss Hospitality, joins Mississippi’s Miss Hospitality Bonnie Blue Dulaney and Kaitlin Hollister, Meridian’s Miss Hospitality, at a reception hosted by the president of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.

Anthony and Hollister are among the 30 contestants competing in the 66th Annual Mississippi Miss Hospitality Pageant. This week they are enjoying volunteering, tours of Hattiesburg and rehearsals which will culminate in competition on stage Friday and Saturday night at the Saenger Theater.  Contestants, age 18 to 24, will compete for more than $100,000 in scholarships and prizes. The winner will travel 30,000 miles during her reign, promoting Mississippi’s tourism and economic development and serving as the state’s goodwill ambassador.