Miss Mississippi kicks off 68th year in Vicksburg

Last updated: June 11, 2026

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — It’s time to put on those heels, straighten dresses, touch-up lipsticks and straighten shoulders as the 2026 Miss Mississippi Pageant enters its 68th year hosted right here in the River City. 

The event kicked off tonight, Wednesday, June 10, at 8 p.m., in Vicksburg’s Convention Center where contestants vied to earn the top coveted crown in the spot light to represent the Magnolia State. Tonight two ladies edged closer to wearing the crown.

Tonight’s winners were Miss Capital City Jane Granberry and Miss Metro Jackson Nataleigh Nix.

Miss Capital City Jane Granberry won the Talent division of the evening. Granberry is a native of Hattiesburg and attended the University of Mississippi. She took the crowd by storm by performing a high energy Jazz routine dance.

Granberry’s Community Service Initiative is Literacy Without Limits dedicated to ensuring every Mississippian has the opportunity to become a confident reader and critical thinker. She hopes to become a business owner and Strategy Marketing Consultant.

Miss Metro Jackson Nataleigh Nix took the top prize for Health and Fitness for the first night of preliminaries. Nix is a native of Canton and attended the University of Alabama. Nix performed by stunning the crowd with voice and musical talents.

Nix’s Community Service Initiative is Go Be L.O.V.E. with a goal of assisting and advocating for the homeless by combining short term relief and a vision for a long term reform program that restores dignity and hope to the homeless.

There will be preliminary contests Thursday and Friday prior to the main event occurring Saturday on the evening of June 13. All events are available to be live streamed at missmisslive.com. Tickets may be purchased by visiting missmississippi.com or calling 601-638-6746.

Follow VDN’s Facebook page to see more photos of opening night posted soon.