The 16th annual Miss Gainesville and Miss Ocala Competition will be held at Eastside High School on Saturday.  

The event will start at 6 p.m. at the Eastside High School theater (1201 SE 43rd St.).  

Delegates will compete in several phases of competition, including interview, talent, lifestyle and fitness, and evening gown.  

During the competition, each delegate will also discuss her chosen platform, a social or community issue of concern to herself and society at large. 

The winners of the Miss Gainesville and Miss Ocala Competition will be awarded $1,000 in scholarship funds for college, graduate school or other educational expenses. 

 “The Miss Gainesville Board is very pleased with the number of intelligent, ambitious and talented women who have entered this year’s competition in the hopes of becoming ambassadors for the Miss America Organization,” Local Director Rachel Dickhaus said in a press release.  

Miss Gainesville and Miss Ocala will travel across north central Florida speaking to government officials, business leaders, community groups and citizens about their platforms and encouraging them to become involved in her cause. The winners will also be eligible to compete for the Miss Florida the summer of 2024.