HATTIESBURG – Thirty-two contestants have arrived in Hattiesburgfor the 2009 Miss Hospitality pageant.

Among those vying for the title is Lincoln County’s MissHospitality Mary Catherine McDonnieal, who arrived Sunday at theUniversity of Southern Mississippi.

Miss Hospitality 2008 Tori Ferguson will crown the winnerSaturday at the Saenger Theater in Hattiesburg.

The contestants, ages 18-24, are competing for $100,000 inprizes, ranging from $250 tuition scholarships to full-yearscholarships at state colleges and universities.

During the week, McDonnieal and other contestants will take partin rehearsals, tours, interviews and special events. The week willconclude with two nights of competition, beginning Friday at 8p.m., and concluding Saturday at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $13/$18 and may be purchased at the Saenger Theaterbox office at (601) 584-4888 or online atwww.HattiesburgSaenger.com.

The theme for this year’s pageant is “60 Years Of Memories” andwill feature several production numbers of popular music from the’40s through today. Also, 25 former State Miss Hospitalities fromas far back as 1950, will grace the stage once again as pastwinners are honored.