The Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition is now accepting at-large contestant applications. Eligible individuals who reside in a Mississippi community without an established local program are encouraged to apply to participate in the 2026 competition.
Now in its 77th year, Mississippi Miss Hospitality will continue the program’s service to economic development and tourism in 2026. Annually, the competition brings together the state’s best and brightest young women for a week of leadership development as they ultimately compete for the state title and more than $100,000 in scholarships and prizes.
The young woman crowned in 2026 will serve as Mississippi’s Official Goodwill Ambassador for economic development and tourism, traveling to promote the state through ribbon cuttings, special tourism events, organized appearances, and speaking engagements.
“This is the seventh year the at-large opportunity has been available, and it has proven to be an excellent opportunity for those who were not previously qualified to participate,” Marlo Dorsey, Mississippi Miss Hospitality executive director, said. “Through the at-large program, our advisory board has provided more women a chance to vie for scholarships and champion their hometowns for a year while gaining invaluable experience and relationships.”
Since the addition, fifteen at-large contestants have competed in Miss Hospitality. These participants have seen tremendous success at state competition. At-large contestants have competitively placed in the program, with at-large contestant Hannah Grace Crain winning the state title in 2022 and traveling across the country sharing Mississippi’s story.
Eligible applicants are women between the ages of 18 and 24, residents of Mississippi, high school graduates, and have a 2.5 or higher scholastic average. Additionally, contestants must represent their hometowns, not the community where they attend college. Applications and additional information can be found on https://misshospitality.net/at-large-program/.
At-large applications will be accepted by the State Office through Friday, March 6, 2026. The 2026 competition guide, contestant requirements, and current application can be found at MissHospitality.com. An independent panel will select contestants from the at-large candidate pool based upon an established scoring criterion.
This year’s Mississippi Miss Hospitality competition will be held at the historic Saenger Theater in downtown Hattiesburg on July 17 and 18. Ticket sales will be announced on the program’s social media pages and website in late spring 2026.
The Mississippi Miss Hospitality tradition began in 1949 under Gov. Fielding Wright and the Mississippi Legislature. Presented by the Hattiesburg Tourism Commission (VisitHATTIESBURG), City of Hattiesburg, The University of Southern Mississippi, Forrest General Hospital, and Hattiesburg Saenger Theater, the Mississippi Miss Hospitality competition has called Hattiesburg home for more than 25 years.
