The commons area at the Platte River Mall was a little brighter Sunday afternoon as 19 of Nebraska’s most talented and enthusiastic young women arrived to begin their quest to become the next Miss Nebraska.

Sunday’s festivities kicked off in grand fashion as North Platte Mayor, Dwight Livingston, issued a proclamation declaring June 5-June 10 Miss Nebraska Scholarship Pageant Week in North Platte.

The mayor’s proclamation was followed by a poised and graceful welcome by Miss Nebraska 2013, JaCee Pilkington.

Then, after saying goodbye to moms, dads, brothers, sisters and boyfriends, the contestants began a journey that they will never forget.

An intense week of rehearsals and appearances will culminate Thursday night, with the first Preliminary Night of competition, when the quest for the crown truly begins.

Contestants will be judged on five categories: Interview, Talent, Evening Wear, Swim Wear and On-Stage Question, as they compete for over $75,000 in cash and prizes.

This year’s judges are former Nebraska Cornhusker football player and Olympic bobsled athlete, Curt Tomasevicz, former Miss Nebraska titleholder, Jennifer Love-Timmons, North Carolina General Assembly Executive assistant, Beverly Adams,  administrative assistant to Nebraska Basketball Coach Tim Miles, Brett Sapp and Washington Scholarship Foundation trustee, Charlie Vantramp.

Preliminary competitions will be held Thursday, June 5 and Friday, June 6 at 7:00 p.m.  Finals night and the crowning of Miss Nebraska 2014 will take place Saturday, June 7, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

A silent auction will be held during Intermission of Friday’s competition.

Tickets are $18 for each Preliminary Night and $25 for Finals Night, and can be purchased by contacting Peggy Fox at 308-532-2783.  Tickets can also be purchased at the door prior to each night of competition, based on availability.

The Miss Nebraska Scholarship Pageant has been held in North Platte for 30 years.