The 2008 Miss Hospitality Pageant is Friday and Saturday at the Saenger Theatre in Hattiesburg.

Meridian-Lauderdale County's 2008 Miss Hospitality, Haley Heard, is one of forty contestants.

The pageant dates back to 1949. The winner will travel the state and country promoting Mississippi's tourism, industry and economic development.

Heard graduated from Clarkdale High School and studied marketing at Meridian Community College. Haley has been a volunteer for L.O.V.E.'s Kitchen, the Red Cross and Wesley House.