Miss California competition in Visalia could draw thousands of visitors

Visit Visalia has announced the 2024 Miss California and Miss California’s Teen Competitions will be held at the Visalia Convention Center June 8-15.

The event could draw thousands of visitors to the city.

This prestigious and professional development competition is set to begin Saturday, June 8, when Visalia welcomes delegates for a week of interviews, rehearsals, and meaningful community involvement. The young women’s experience will culminate with the crowning of the winners on Saturday, June 15 at the Visalia Convention Center. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.The mission of the Miss California program is to advance the creation, promotion, and support of educational, achievement, and community service opportunities for young women in the State of California. The organization, celebrating its 100th year, focuses on leadership skills, talent, communication skills and educational scholarships and is part of the Miss America organization.The Miss America organization throughout the century has been a champion for advancing women. In its early years, swimsuits were worn as an act of rebellion; women weren’t allowed to wear swimsuits in public. In 1945, Miss America began awarding scholarships rather than prize money, one of the first organizations in the United States to offer college scholarships to women. In the 1980s, Miss America officially made community service a pillar of the program, helping to raise awareness, and millions of dollars, for worthy causes.“It is exciting to see Miss California continue to captivate audiences and to keep pace with societal values reflecting their timeless mission,” said Sherrie Bakke, Visit Visalia executive director.  “We congratulate the Miss California organization on their Centennial Celebration and we look forward to welcoming them to Visalia once again.”The reigning Miss California, Sabrina Lewis, was crowned here in Visalia in 2023, chosen from a field of 42 women from across the state. She is an avid equestrian and advocates for Equine Therapy for all. Her year-long reign will come to an end when the new Miss California is crowned on June 15.The Miss California and Miss California’s Teen Competitions will be held at the Visalia Convention Center in Downtown Visalia, California.

• The schedule of events to which the public are invited include:
• Tuesday, June 11: Preliminary Competitions, Miss Delegates
• Wednesday, June 12: Preliminary Competitions, Teen Delegates
• Thursday, June 13: Miss California’s Teen – Finals Competition
• Friday, June 14: Miss California’s Talent Review
• Saturday, June 15: Miss California Centennial Finals Competition

There will be 44 Miss California delegates who range in age from 18-28 and come from all over the state. There will be 24 Miss California’s Teen, ranging in age from 13-18. Of course, they will be supported by family and friends who will come to watch.

Event organizers are estimating 800 to 1,000 attendees. They expect that the Friday night Talent Review will be especially well-attended. People love to see the varied talent that all 44 of the delegates will perform. This night is only about the talent portion of the competition. And with ticket prices at only $10, it makes it very affordable. 

Since this year the organization is celebrating its centennial, they are expecting record breaking attendance. The organization has evolved over the past 100 years, staying in step with today’s women and societal values. 

Ticket information for all public events, available hotels, and additional details about the event are available at: https://www.visitvisalia.com/miss-california-2024.