A limousine escorted by a flurry of police cars pulled up at the Bainbridge State College Kirbo Center Thursday and was welcomed by a crowd of fans and Bainbridge High School cheerleaders.

Inside was Maggie Bridges, Decatur County native and the newly crowned Miss Georgia 2014, home to celebrate what is now dubbed as “Maggie Bridges Day.”

Bainbridge Mayor Edward Reynolds presented Bridges with the key to the city for her hard work and representing Bainbridge through her pageantry.

“We are so excited and proud of Maggie,” Reynolds said. “She’s a hometown girl. The dedication and hard work she’s put in has been outstanding.

Reynolds wished Bridges the best of luck in her upcoming competition at the Miss America pageant in September and said all of Bainbridge was behind her.

Decatur County Chairman Frank Loeffler and Decatur County Administrator Gary Breedlove also honored Bridges with a plaque commemorating Maggie Bridges Day.

“I’m beyond honored,” Bridges said to a cheering crowd. “I’m really proud to represent Decatur County and this area, because you guys are incredible people. Something I’ve said before and I’ll say again and again is, it takes a village to raise a child. I’m no product of my own. I’m made by each and every one of you.”

Bridges said Decatur County residents had the opportunity to inspire and nurture every young boy and girl just like they had done for her.

“You can build them up and make them who they are, and you have a really big part to play in that,” Bridges said.

The event was capped off with a signing where Bridges took pictures and met with fans and friends from across Southwest Georgia.