Mississippi's Junior Miss Week is fun, but also hard work, for forty-three young ladies hoping to win the title and represent their state. Rehearsals began Monday for the physical fitness portion.

"It's the hardest routine I've ever done, and I'm a dancer, so that's saying a lot," said Lindsey Bishop, Newton County's Junior Miss.

The girls have three days to learn this intense fitness routine. And she admits is quite a bit of stress.

"It's a lot of work, a whole bunch of work, but I'm really excited and kind of nervous, too," said Bishop.

The week ahead is going to be full of fun, new friendships and hard work. Several girls say, please don't get this confused with a pageant, because they say it's a lot more than hair and makeup.

"A pageant is about looks, and maybe just how you carry yourself," said Elizabeth Lucas, Lowndes County Junior Miss. "But the program involves scholastics and more, so talent and all that kind of stuff, it's just a little bit different."

But the intensity will calm down a little as the girls head to Geyser Falls Water Park in Philadelphia Tuesday for some fun.

The preliminary programs are Thursday and Friday at the Temple Theatre in downtown Meridian, beginning at 7:30 p.m., with the finals Saturday at 8 p.m.

Mississippi's Junior Miss 2009 will represent the state at the America's Junior Miss competition in Mobile.