The Boston Marathon bombings are on the minds of security officials as they prepare for the return of the Miss America Pageant to Atlantic City.
The pageant involves two weeks of activities that include a parade, which like the marathon route, is difficult to police.
The Press of Atlantic City reports police Lt. Jerry Barnhart says the city's bomb squad will sweep the parade route before, during and after.
Police joined officials from the Atlantic City Tourism District and city officials as they announced plans for the week leading up to the Miss America Pageant, which returns next month to the city where it became famous.
The city and state officials joined Miss America Organization Sam Haskell, III, to reveal plans about public safety, transportation and more.
Police are discouraging people from bringing large bags or backpacks. And the public is asked to report suspicious activity.
There will be 30,000 paid seats along the parade route for the first time. The chairs will limit where people can stand or set up their own chairs.
Local
Breaking news and the stories that matter to your neighborhood.
The city will also get cameras and personnel from Homeland Security.
The pageant was held in Atlantic City from 1921 until 2005. Since then the pageant was held in Las Vegas, Nevada until returning to A.C. for the 93rd edition of the competition this year.
