CHOCTAW – In what has become a time-honored tradition, the 68th Annual Choctaw Indian Fair will open with the Choctaw Indian Princess Pageant on July 12 at 7 p.m. at the main stage.

Twelve beautiful young Chahta Ohóyo (Choctaw women) will vie for the honor of becoming the 63rd Choctaw Indian Princess to represent the Mississippi Choctaws. The pageant will take place following the fair’s official Opening Ceremonies with Chief Phyliss J. Anderson at 6 p.m.

Throughout the month of June, the contestants have practiced in preparation of the time-honored pageant, and on July 10, will attend an annual banquet sponsored by the Philadelphia-Neshoba County Community Development Partnership.

In addition to crowning a new princess, other awards named include first alternate, second alternate, Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic. A new component of the competition, media relations, was added this year, which took place on June 22.

The 12 contestants are:

• Alanta Shilate Anderson is the 17-year-old daughter of Craig and Daphne Anderson of the Conehatta community. This fall, she will be a senior at Choctaw Central High School. The Conehatta Development Club serves as her sponsor.

• Jayna LeighAnn Ben is the 17-year-old daughter of Sharon Williams and Jimmy Ben of the Pearl River community. She will be a senior this fall at Choctaw Central High School. The Pearl River Development Club is her sponsor.

• Lauren Raen Ben is the 17-year-old daughter of Robert and Olivia Ben of the Pearl River community. She will be a senior at Choctaw Central High School this fall. She is sponsored by the Non-Gaming Properties of Pearl River Resort.

• Jasmine Nicole Chickaway is the 17-year-old daughter of Jeremy Chickaway Sr. and Jannifer and Monty Willis Sr. She is a member of the Pearl River community. This fall marks her senior year at Neshoba Central High School. Her sponsor is the Smith John Justice Complex.

• Kambree Chanae Chickaway is the 20-year-old daughter of LaShannon Ferris and Karady Chickaway. She is a member of the Conehatta community. This fall, she will be a junior at the University of Southern Mississippi. She is sponsored by the Gaming Properties of Pearl River Resort.

• Kassie Lann Cox is the 19-year-old daughter of Warren and Chassidy Wilson and Daniel Cox. She is a member of the Red Water community. She will be a sophomore this fall at Mississippi College. Her sponsor is the Red Water Development Club.

• Camille Pakali Dixon is the 16-year-old daughter of Jessica Wilson and Delanovka Dixon. She is a member of the Pearl River community. She will be a junior at Choctaw Central High School this fall. The Youth Opportunity Program serves as her sponsor.

• Maranda Kay Frazier is the 17-year-old daughter of Misty and Timothy Frazier of Henning, Tenn. She is a member of the Bogue Chitto community. This fall, she will be a senior at Halls High School. Sponsoring Maranda is the Bogue Chitto Development Club.

• Anne Ashley Henry is the 17-year-old daughter of Ronnie Sr. and Diane K. Henry of the Bogue Chitto community. She will be a senior this fall at Neshoba Central High School. The Bok Cito Stickball Team is her sponsor.

• Katelyn RayAnn Shoemake is the 17-year-old daughter of Gregory and Tracy Shoemake of the Conehatta community. She will be a senior at Choctaw Central High School in the fall. Her sponsor is the Choctaw Health Center Employees Association.

• Jennaya Kateri Steve is the 17-year-old daughter of Kathy McMillan of the Tucker community. She will be a junior at Choctaw Central High School this fall. Sponsoring Jennaya is the Family of Sim Chickaway and Maggie Davis.

• Sindle Patryse Williams is the 17-year-old daughter of Prisinda Isaac and Lathom Williams Sr. of the Pearl River community. She will be a senior this fall at Neshoba Central High School. The Family of Patsy and Preston Isaac serves as her sponsor.

The pageant winner will be crowned by the reigning Choctaw Indian Princess Autumn Diane McMillan.

To learn more about the 68th Annual Choctaw Indian Fair, visit www.choctawindianfair.com, “Like” the fair on Facebook at Choctaw Indian Fair or call the fair hotline at 601-650-7450.