Miss Merced County to be crowned tonight

Four young women will compete tonight for the title of Miss Merced County 2015, during the event at Buhach Colony High School theater in Atwater.

The 40th annual event will begin at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m., according to a press release.

Contestants this year include Jolene Cortez, 17, Malina Meza, 19, Arissa Higgins, 17, and Rose Beltran, 17. In addition, 13 young women from around the state will compete for the titles of Miss Sierra Nevada and Miss Yosemite Valley, according to the release.

Returning back to Merced County for the event will be Miss California 2014, Marina Inserra, who was crowned Miss Yosemite Valley last year. Miss Merced County 2014 Danielle Diele and Miss Sierra Nevada Sarah Bui will be on hand to crown this year’s winners.

The four Miss Merced County contestants will compete for scholarships and the opportunity to compete at the Miss California Pageant, which is scheduled to be held June in Fresno.

Miss Merced County is a franchise of the Miss America Organization, which is the one of the largest scholarship programs for women. Education and community service are the main priorities of the program. Scholarships will be awarded to contestants depending upon their placement on the final night of competition, according to the release.

Tickets are $20 at the door. For more information call (209) 261-9363.

This story was originally published January 17, 2015 at 10:03 AM with the headline "Miss Merced County to be crowned tonight."