Monroe, LA: Pageantry, with a bayou twist

Judges to crown one of 36 women Miss Louisiana on Saturday

Thirty-six young women from across the state will make Monroe their home this week as they vie for the Miss Louisiana crown.

Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo and local officials welcomed the 36 Miss Louisiana contestants Monday to begin the week-long activities leading up to the crowning of a new Miss Louisiana Saturday.

Preliminary competition for the 49th Miss Louisiana Pageant will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday. The live televised finals will feature the top 10 contestants and begins at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Miss Louisiana Organization executive director Dewana Little said the 36 contestants will receive more than $1 million in cash and scholarships.

The contestants began rehearsals Monday afternoon.

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