Miss News

Ben Fogletto

Statue of Miss America host Bert Parks outside the hotel. Wednesday March 25 2015 Sheraton Hotel, Atlantic City. (The Press of Atlantic City / Ben Fogletto)

If you’re a fan of Miss America, you know that the competition is inexorably linked with Atlantic City. (We’re not going to dwell on that brief sojourn with Las Vegas. Let’s just say we were on a break.)

The competition started in the resort in 1921 as a “bathing beauty” contest, and reminders of Miss America’s past can be found throughout the city.

So while you’re in town for the 2017 competition, with preliminary contests tonight, Wednesday and Thursday, the “Show Us Your Shoes” parade Saturday and the big finale on Sunday, you can take in some of the event’s history by visiting these sites.

Miss America competition rehearsals, day 1

Though it's more than a week until the new Miss America will be crowned, contestants started gearing up for the pageant with rehearsals. Photos courtesy of the Miss America Organization/Bruce V. Boyajian. View more pictures on the Miss America Organization Facebook page.

Miss America Organization/Bruce V. Boyajian

Contestants take a breather during the first day of rehearsals for the Miss America competition.

Kennedy Plaza

This section of the Boardwalk in front of Boardwalk Hall is where the contestants first introduce themselves each year, as they did last Tuesday. You can see a large Miss America banner and have your picture taken being crowned by a statue modeled on Miss America 2013 Mallory Hagan.

Boardwalk Hall

Here’s where the magic happens. The nationally televised finals of the competition begin at 9 p.m. Sunday. It’s easier to get tickets to the preliminaries tonight, Wednesday and Thursday at 7 p.m. Beyond the competition, the hall itself is worth a visit. It houses the Midmer-Losh organ, the largest pipe organ in the world, which currently is being restored. When the hall was dedicated in 1929 as Convention Hall, its 7 acres contained the largest enclosed free-span arch in the world.

Sheraton Atlantic City

Here’s where you can find a bronze statue of longtime host Bert Parks (famous for singing “There she is, Miss America …”) along with lots of Miss America memorabilia, including reproductions of period dresses an a replica of the first trophy, the Golden Mermaid.

Claridge Hotel

The Claridge houses the headquarters for the Miss America Organization. The headquarters moved here from Linwood in 2015.

Steel Pier and Garden Pier

Back when the pageant was still held on the beach, contestants would walk between these two piers in their bathing suits. It’s still a nice stroll.

Tanger Outlets The Walk

As you’re shopping at the outlets, you’ll be treading atop the Rose Walk, which features plaques dedicated to Miss Americas from 1921 to 1995, with memorable quotes.

GALLERY: Miss America Arrival Ceremony 2016

Viviana Pernot

Contestants, including Miss Puerto Rico, Carole Rigual, dance on the Atlantic City Boardwalk after the official Miss America Arrival Ceremony at Kennedy Plaza. Tuesday, August 30, 2016. (Viviana Pernot/ Staff Photographer)

Atlantic Ocean

Specifically, the ocean in front of Boardwalk Hall where the winner’s traditional toe dip takes place. Go ahead, kick off your shoes and get a feel for what it’s like to win the crown. Don’t forget to kick up both heels for your “jumping in the surf” photo.

1921 at The Playground

This retro bar is named for the year Miss America was founded. If you want to sip a cocktail while feeling like original winner Margaret Gorman, this is the place.

Staff writer