Bossier City has stepped up to be part of the welcoming crew for the 2018 Miss USA and Miss Teen USA activities. This year is the first year in history to have both competitions held back-to-back in the same host cities of Shreveport-Bossier. Contestants and titleholders of the women-led company, Miss Universe Organization, are able to cultivate their personal career goals, advocate for humanitarian issues and be a voice to affect positive change in the world.

As you might imagine, it takes a massive effort to make an event like this happen.

Brandy Evans, Vice President of Communications for the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau says “The Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants take a lot of work to pull off. The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau could not have pulled this off without a strong support system from our cities and parishes, as well as local businesses and our citizens. This community really does understand and exemplify true Southern hospitality. I have no doubt this will be one of their most memorable pageants.”

To get in the spirit of being a welcoming community, here are seven spectacular events that might put a little sparkle in your step. These events are open to the public:

Bossier Events:

Splash, Sip & Send Off Honoring Lauren Vizza, Miss Louisiana USA

A fun night to send well wishes to SB local, Lauren Vizza, as she counts down the days to compete for the Miss USA crown. Vizza is in her second year as a morning anchor for KTAL Channel 6. Last year, she was crowned Miss Louisiana 2018 in the Miss USA pageant system. As a former athlete she is excited to compete and represent her hometown. You can get more info on this event by visiting the Tourist Bureau’s website.

When: Friday, May 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Dare Pool
Admission: $5 at the gate

Miss Teen USA 2018 Presentation Show

Fifty-one contestants from around the USA will compete for the title of Miss Teen USA 2018 during the Presentation Show which will include preliminary interviews, athletic wear and evening gown presentation streamed live prior to broadcast.

When: Wednesday, May 16 at 7 p.m.
Where: Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Riverdome
Admission: Tickets are $44 and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.com

Shreveport Events:

Mardi Gras in May with Miss USA and Miss Teen USA Parade

The public is invited to attend a free Mardi Gras-style parade in downtown Shreveport. All 102 contestants from Miss USA and Miss Teen USA will participate. The parade will have a patriotic theme and will serve to welcome all of the visiting Miss USA and Miss Teen USA contestants as well as their families and supporters, event organizers and fans.

When: Monday, May 14 at noon
Where: Downtown Shreveport – West end of Texas Street
Admission: Free

Miss Teen USA 2018 Finals
When: Friday, May 18 at 4 p.m.
Where: George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum

Miss USA 2018 Presentation Show
When: Thursday, May 17 at 7 p.m.
Where: George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum

Miss USA 2018 Dress Rehearsal
When: Monday, May 21 at noon
Where: George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum

Miss USA 2018 Finals
When: Monday, May 21 at 7 p.m.
Where: George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum

For more information on Miss USA and Miss Teen USA events, you can visit the Shreveport-Bossier Convention & Tourist Bureau’s website.