Chris Todd / Special to The Meridian StarMiss Belle of the Bayou Holly Brand of Meridian competes in on stage interview at the Miss Mississippi Pageant in preliminary competition on Wednesday at the Vicksburg Convention Center.

Miss Northeast Mississippi Lexie Harper of Meridian tied for first place in the talent preliminary with Miss Dixie Molly May of Houston at the Miss Mississippi Pageant on Wednesday at the Vicksburg Convention Center in Vicksburg. Preliminary competition continues Thursday through Friday, with the finals scheduled Saturday evening.