MEMORIES OF MISS AMERICA IN ATLANTIC CITYText and Photography by Pamela A CampbellFile photos or Miss America courtesy of Miss America Organization and The Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority 
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Atlantic City, N.J. The stakes are high in "America's Favorite Playground" especially if you are among the 51 contestants vying for the Miss America crown in Atlantic City.
It promises to be a divine experience for 51 gorgeous ambassadors who breeze into Atlantic City in their quest to wear the Miss America crown on Sept. 22, 2001. The prelude to participation in the Miss America Program signals a strong desire by contestants to pursue a higher education and to make a contribution to worthwhile causes. The Miss America Organization is dedicated to achievement programs and remains the world's top provider of scholarships to young women. Since 1945 the total amount has exceeded $200 million, with more than $40 million in cash and tuition scholarship assistance provided last year. Every year the Miss America state and local |
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winners join volunteers from the Miss America Organization who work on over 12,000 community projects. Altogether this results in more than 500,000 hours dedicated to charity.
The young woman who walks down the runway as Miss America is a reflection of the Miss America Organization's proclamation that "She is the very essence of style, evokes passionate viewpoints and reflects the fabric of her generation. She has marked changed through the decades and predicted the face of the future." Back to Reality TV
And this time around, Miss America organizers will re-introduce a solo male host (the first within the past five years). Television star, Tony Danza, will serenade the winner with "There She Is, Miss America" as she makes the triumphant walk down the aisle at the Boardwalk Convention Hall. "Reality television is the buzzword describing a variety of new TV shows, but in fact, the Miss America telecast has been providing viewers with high-stakes reality television since its broadcast debut in 1954," said Robert Renneisen, Miss America president in a recent press release. Looking back to1954, the year Lee Meriwether became the first Miss America to be crowned during a live broadcast, the consensus was that at-home viewers should be made to feel 'present' at the show. Prior to the live broadcast, then television Chairman, Albert A. Marks Jr. issued these instructions, "Don't ever forget that television is a guest on our stage. This is a news event and you are here to release it as such, but our Pageant is and always will be a live theatrical event." Getting 'real' is the name of the game Lovely, intelligent and talented as they all are, only 10 of the Miss America hopefuls will outclass their rivals at the Preliminary Competitions. The renamed segments are "Lifestyle and Fitness" (swimsuit) and "Presence and Poise" (evening wear). Drawing a parallel with the popular TV show, Survivor, the 41 non-finalists will decide offstage which five contestants will compete for the Miss America title. The coveted crown will be bestowed upon the contestant who scores the highest points for brainteasers on history, current events and government in the decisive category, "Knowledge and Understanding." A memorable occasion (Last year the author enjoyed an unforgettable weekend of celebrations and the crowning of Miss America in Atlantic City)
Miss America Parade The enthusiasm is infectious as well wishers crowd the boardwalk, some with definite favorites, and others, like myself, eager to experience the American tradition that gets more exciting as the years go by. The minute the parade begins with the Atlantic City Police Department motorcycle escort, followed by the Grand Marshal and honor guards and bands, many are waiting to cheer the mayor and Miss Atlantic City. A louder roar goes up as the float carrying the reigning Miss America comes into view, followed by more charmers, former Miss Americas.
The contestants are paraded alphabetically in reverse, beginning with Miss Wyoming , Miss Wisconsin, Miss West Virginia and wrapping up with Miss Arizona, Miss Alaska and Miss Alabama. The biggest challenge is to try and take a good look at the young ladies, and then choosing a favorite or two who will become the winner. It's clearly a fun time for the aspiring Miss Americas to kick up their heels one last time before they face the world live on television. Behind the scenes By day the stage is bustling with choreographers fine-tuning those dance steps that a retinue of contestants will display on the 'big' night. The co-hosts (last year they were Donny and Marie Osmond) are practicing their tunes and bantering with each other, while the technicians check out the sound and light systems. It all seems so together, but it can be a very complicated for organizers, especially when the stage setting is constantly being re-designed to reflect the integrity of the Miss America Program. A highlight of our backstage visit was to be photographed with the gracious Miss America 2000, Heather French. Oh What A Night!
It seemed just a few hours since I had witnessed the backstage activities, the casual atmosphere and the empty halls. Now we were all arriving in limousines, dressed in our finest, ready to be entertained by 51 extraordinary young women whose presence would be felt around the world. The most impressive part of being on the scene is that the performances are happening right before your eyes. There is electricity in the air as the contestants appear on stage and you witness each blink, every word as it is spoken and very step that is taken. That, for me, is the defining moment. If you happen to miss something, your seat mate will fill you in and vice versa. Last year's winner, Angela Perez Baraquio became an international celebrity when she smiled, sang and hula danced her way into the hearts of judges and audience alike.
I remember the Baraquio contingent occupying a section several rows behind us and soon enough we knew they were cheering for Miss Hawaii, although Claudio and Rigolette, her parents, were the most subdued of the family. In the end, when Angela Perez Baraquio was crowned Miss America, there was a brief silence and then the cheering resonated throughout the hall as they rushed out for a backstage reunion. You are invited The Miss America Organization and the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority welcome visitors to all the events that officially begin with the arrival of the Miss America contestants by train. To join in the fun and celebrations, here is a list of events: Monday, Sept. 10, 2001 10:30 a.m.The Atlantic City High School Marching Band will welcome the 51 contestants at the train station. 11:30 a.m. Contestants will receive a formal introduction to Atlantic City at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel's Pearl Ballroom. Friday, Sept.14, 2001 Miss America Gala (a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City). Contestants and Miss America 2001, Angela Perez Baraquio, will be in attendance. Cocktail reception 6:30 p.m. Dinner and dancing at 8 p.m. at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Hotel. For information telephone:l 609-345-7571. Tuesday, Sept. 18 through Thursday, Sept. 20, 2001
Miss America Preliminary Competitions
Friday, Sept. 20, 2001
Saturday, Sept. 21, 2001
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The Miss America event is making waves by embracing the "reality television" concept of the popular TV show, "Survivor" to woo mass audiences, especially the younger set.
The preliminaries are over and each contestant has made 50 new friends since their arrival in Atlantic City - America's Favorite Playground. Two weeks go by quickly as the excitement builds among the hopefuls, and each one knows that she will return home with a treasure chest of everlasting memories.
But this is no ordinary parade. This is the only parade I've attended that encourages well wishers to erupt with shouts of "Show us your shoes" as the contestants drive by. Indeed we are all pretty pleased (and I'm tempted to say our male counterparts moreso) to see some of the finest legs on show dangling real dazzlers on their feet!
We've all hear about "a night to remember" and this happens to be one of those nights.
As a parochial school teacher who listed Latin dancing, Tae Bo and beach volleyball among her hobbies, Perez Baraquio had to overcome her aversion to swimsuit appearances.