The Miss New Jersey Pageant has returned to Ocean City with a resounding cry across the Baordwalk: “Show us Your Shoes.”
The famous request, immortalized in the Miss America Pageant Parade, has found its way a few miles south, to where some of New Jersey’s most accomplished young women take part in a scholarship pageant for the statewide crown and the right to compete for Miss America.
Thousands of locals and vacationers and spectators who traveled to Ocean City specifically for the parade lined the Boardwalk for the parade’s 7 p.m. step-off. Some of the parade fans staked out prime viewing locations as early as 5:30.
The fans weren’t disappointed as perfect weather and a cooling ocean breeze kept everyone energized.
This year’s parade carried a “TV” theme and many of the contestants were adorned in costumes associated with beloved characters from the small screen both past and present. There were dramas, comedies, kids shows and game shows depicted.
Among the highlights were floats portraying Gilligan’s Island, Wonder Woman, Empire, Dancing With the Stars, M*A*S*H, Wheel of Fortune, I Dream of Jeannie, Bay Watch, and of course I Love Lucy.
Parade Director Karen Mahar and her staff, and the Music Pier staff did a fantastic job of organizing the parade and making it all work.
From the looks on the happy faces of spectators and participants alike, the 2017 edition of the parade was one of the best yet.
