Jackson, Tenn.–For decades, the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Board of Directors has had the privilege of working on a variety of milestones—the successful establishment of Miss Tennessee Volunteer, the creation of the Presidents Club, consistently maintaining a minimum of 36 local titles who participate in our state pageant and celebrating over 67 years of tradition in Jackson.
Today, however, is a first for the organization in those 67 years.
Pageant officials said, “We will not be able to hold the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Pageant this year so as to remain in keeping with the Safer At Home orders and businesses remaining closed due to the public health civil emergency issued by the Mayor of the City of Jackson, Madison County Mayor, Governor of Tennessee and President of the United States.
“As the City of Jackson and Madison County begin Phase I of the Economic Recovery Plan, both Mayors Conger and Harris are taking all of the necessary precautions, which include closing all city venues until September at the earliest.
“We are saddened that our city venues will not be open this summer in order to host our pageant, but fully support our government officials who are implementing strategies to improve the overall health and economic strength of Jackson and the surrounding areas. Our board has been relentless in working through every scenario on behalf of our organization, local directors, local committee members, contestants, their parents, our generous sponsors and supportive fans to try and find a way to hold the state competition. After weeks of careful deliberation, and in following the latest guidelines issued on April 24th from national, state and local authorities, the organization feels it must begin to look ahead to 2021.
“Miss Tennessee Volunteer is more than a four-day pageant for our state. It is a time when the Jackson community comes together and celebrates the outstanding, intelligent, articulate and talented young women from across our Tennessee, a 67-year-old tradition for the City of Jackson. This event is extremely special for the exceptional young women across the state who have worked incredibly hard for their local titles and the opportunity to compete for scholarships at the state level.
“We realize that these remarkable titleholders and their families are disappointed by this decision, just as we are. However, as the world is still greatly affected by the spread of COVID-19, we cannot in good conscience risk the health and wellbeing of our contestants, their parents, local directors, local committee members, volunteer staff and the Jackson community,” added Pageant President, Jimmy Exum.
If you would like more information regarding the pageant’s ticket policy, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ticket Chairperson Val Exum, at misstnvoltickets@gmail.com for more information. The pageant is honoring sponsorships and tickets purchased for this year’s event for Miss Tennessee Volunteer 2021 and are also offering full refunds upon request.
Pageant Co-Executive Director, Allison Alderson DeMarcus stated, “We greatly appreciate your understanding and patience, as our actions are always focused on the best interest of the young women who represent our program in their respective communities across the state. The unique spirit and sense of unity that is at the heart of what Miss Tennessee Volunteer stands for continues to propel us into the future. In the months ahead, we hope to have the opportunity to once again bring local directors, local committees, contestants and their families together in Jackson to celebrate. We hope to see everyone at Miss Tennessee Volunteer next year, June 16-19, 2021 at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.”