Candace Pierce of Clanton did something she has never done before this past weekend – she competed in the 2012 Miss Alabama USA Pageant.

Pierce traveled to Montgomery for the two-day competition, which included an interview, swimsuit and evening wear portions and a fashion show.

“It was an experience, and I enjoyed doing it,” Pierce said. “Most of the time, the interview is my favorite. This time, the fashion show at the beginning was my favorite part.”

Pierce is the reigning Miss Chilton County and will compete in the Miss Alabama Agriculture Pageant in July.

She was crowned Miss Swedish Fest in October 2010.

Pierce is a freshman at Southern Union State Community College in Opelika, where she is majoring in nursing.

She said she plans to compete in the Miss Southern Union Pageant and work on a talent for future Miss Alabama competitions.

“I might try the (Miss) America system to see how it goes, too,” Pierce said. “You can only get better and better.”