Miss America Pageant

Miss America Pageant

September

What began in 1921 as an attempt by the Business Men's League of Atlantic City, New Jersey, to keep tourists in town after Labor Day has developed into an American institution. The week-long event that begins when the winners of the 50 state pageants arrive on Monday includes evening gown, swimsuit, and talent competitions; a parade along Atlantic City's famous boardwalk; and, on Saturday evening, final judging of the 10 semifinalists and five finalists, culminating in the crowning of the new Miss America shortly before midnight. Bert Parks, who hosted the pageant on television for 25 years, was renowned for his patented rendition of "There She Goes," the song that is traditionally sung as the new Miss America walks down the runway in Convention Hall for the first time. In addition to a year of travel and lucrative personal appearances, the winner receives a $50,000 scholarship.
The Miss America Pageant has had its ups and downs over the years—notably the 1968 protests by members of the women's liberation movement, who lit a symbolic fire in a trashcan and threw in a brassiere, some fashion magazines, and makeup—giving rise to the labeling of feminists as "bra-burners." Vanessa Williams, the first African American to win the pageant, was also the first to be dethroned when it was revealed in July of 1984 that she had once posed nude for Penthouse magazine. But many former Miss Americas have gone on to achieve successful careers as models, actresses, or television personalities, or in public service—among them Phyllis George (Miss America 1971), Mary Ann Mobley (1959), and Bess Myerson (1945).

CONTACTS:
The Miss America Organization
222 New Rd., Ste. 700
Linwood, NJ 08221
609-653-8700; fax: 609-653-8740
www.missamerica.org

SOURCES:
AmerBkDays-2000, p. 633
HolSymbols-2009, p. 589