RALEIGH—Saturday marks the day of crowning Miss North Carolina, and this year marks the 75th anniversary of the pageant. It's also the first time it's been televised in 15 years.

Contestants from across the state are bringing their talents, brains, and of course beauty to Raleigh's Progress Energy Center, as they fight for the crown and a coveted spot at this year's Miss America Pageant.

The Miss America pageant gave out more than $45 million in scholarship money last year.

Preliminary competition happened this week where the contestants competed in the swimsuit, evening gown, and talent competitions.

Each contestant had to win a local pageant to qualify for the Miss North Carolina pageant.

Tune in Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. to watch the pageant live and exclusively on Time Warner Cable channel 520.