FORT SMITH, Ark. — On Friday, March 10, Second Lieutenant —and 2024's Miss America— Madison Marsh kicked off her homecoming celebrations in Fort Smith with some can't-miss events, which will culminate in a parade going right down Garrison Avenue.
In collaboration with the city, Marsh planned school visits, meet and greets, as well as the homecoming parade.
Madison Marsh, an alumna of Southside High School, was crowned Miss America 2024 while representing Colorado, the state she lives in. Aside from being the first military member to win Miss America, Marsh is hoping to make a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer with the Whitney Marsh Foundation.
Marsh reportedly began her Friday morning at schools like the private Immaculate Conception Elementary, Trinity Catholic School, Woods Elementary, and Southside High School. After that, Marsh sat down for an interview with Fort Smith Mayor George McGill, live-streamed on the city's YouTube channel.
The Miss America Parade from 6:30 - 7 p.m. will go down Garrison Avenue, from 6th Street to 10th Street, featuring the Northside and Southside marching bands as well as local dance and cheer groups.
It's no secret Marsh has become an influential part in young girls and woman's lives.
"There's something so joyful, about seeing a queen who makes you feel good about yourself and believes in you. It makes you believe in yourself" said Sydney Wendfeldt, Miss Western Arkansas. "Being an Air Force brat, I was so proud to see a woman in the Air Force, and doing so many amazing things to be advocating for our state on a national level."
"I always dreamed I want to be a pageant queen. So I was very happy about that [when she won]" said Anna Montiel. "Being in the Air Force, and being a pageant queen like Miss Congeniality."
"I was just surprised because like, usually no one from like Fort Smith or anything like that famous. So it's really exciting" said Vivian Lipe. "I think it's like good for people to know about Fort Smith."
Check out our live stream of the homecoming parade here:
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