NATCHEZ — Brittany Laird was more than just a little surprised to find out she would be representing the Pilgrimage Garden Club in the 2008 Historic Natchez Pageant.

The 21-year-old Natchez native got the news months ago and still seemed shocked just a week before her reign began. Laird first took the stage as queen Saturday and will reign until April 5.

“I was shocked to find out,” Laird said. “I wasn’t expecting it at all.”

Laird’s mother, Laura Laird, said she was just as genuinely surprised.

“I was so pleasantly surprised,” Laura said. “It’s such a huge honor for both of us.”

Brittany freely admitted she would probably be a little nervous when she stepped in the front of the audience for the first time, but she said her pageant heritage has prepared her for her new role as queen.

Like many queens before her, Brittany has paid her dues in the historic pageant. She has participated in Little Maypole, Big Maypole, Polka, Picnic and the Wedding — just to name a few.

“I grew up in the pageant,” she said. “It’s just what I know.”

Laura seconded that thought.

“Brittany started when she was 3 or so,” Laura said. “We train them early around here.”

Brittany will be wearing an ivory silk taffeta and imported Italian lace gown. The dress was originally worn and co-designed by former queen Anne Harriss. The gown is a creation of Ann Tillman, who is a local designer of historic pageant apparel.

Brittany will wear two broaches on her dress, one from her great-grandmother and the other from her grandmother.

“They have both passed away and it’s very special for me to wear these,” Brittany said. “It’s a way to honor them.”

Brittany’s scepter is a gift from her godfather and her crown is a gift from her family. Both are made of silver and Australian crystals.

Brittany said she is enjoying her time as queen. On more than one occasion, she earnestly described the experience as “fun.”

“This is something I really like doing,” she said. “Everybody looks forward to spring break, but not to go to the beach. We come back for Spring Pilgrimage.”

Brittany will be serving as queen with several long-time friends in her court. The group grew up in the pageant together and will enjoy the festivities for one last time.

“We’ve all grown up together doing this,” she said. “This is one last hoo-rah for us.”

When Brittany isn’t in Natchez representing the PGC, she’s busy completing her degree in kinesiology at Mississippi State University. She is scheduled to graduate in May 2009 and plans to apply to occupational therapy school at the University Medical Center in Jackson.

“I like being able to help people learn to do everyday tasks again,” she said. “If someone has had a stroke, I will be able to help them learn to function on their own again.”

Brittany said she hopes to bring this love of helping others back to Natchez one day.

“I would like to move back some day and work at a rehab center or at the hospital,” she said. “I would love to be able to make a difference here.”

Brittany said she also hopes to raise a family one day in the town she’s always called home.

“I hope to have a son or a daughter in the pageant one day,” she said. “This is a family tradition for us.”

A family tradition would be an understatement. Brittany’s grandmothers have been members of the PGC for years and several aunts, uncles and cousins have participated in the pageant. Brittany’s sister served on the court in 2005.

Brittany will reign alongside PGC king John Holleman Jr.