The Miss Lawrence Scholarship Pageant returns this weekend after a nine-year absence.

The pageant will be at 7 p.m. Saturday at Lawrence Community Theatre, 1501 N.H.

Eight contestants, ages 17 to 24, are scheduled to compete, organizer Don Bushell said. Bushell said that with eight contestants the pageant would be allowed to award two winners: one for Miss Lawrence and one for Miss Leavenworth County.

He said the former Miss Leavenworth County title holder has resigned, and board members for that pageant are assisting with the Lawrence pageant.

Tickets cost $10 and will be available starting at 6:30 p.m. at the door.

Contestants will compete in four categories: swimsuit, talent, interview and evening gown. The event is a preliminary to the Miss Kansas and Miss America pageants.

Bushell said the pageant is also looking for members of the community interested in serving on the board of directors or volunteering for committees involved in the program. Anyone interested can call Bushell at 785-331-2618 or send an e-mail to misslawrencepageant@hotmail.com.