Another Tradition Dies

We're not big fans of beauty pageants, but we hate to see a traditional American venue like Atlantic City lose a long-time partner.

After an 84-year run on the Boardwalk, the Miss America pageant is bailing out of Atlantic City, pageant and city officials said yesterday.

"It's a sad day," said former Mayor James Whelan, a board member of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority.

Like many a gambler, the Miss America Organization is leaving town flat broke. It hopes to find a cheaper venue to stage the event, pageant officials said, though none has been selected just yet.

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