``Show us your shoes!''
It's a refrain that hasn't been heard much around Atlantic City, N.J., since 2004. That changed Saturday evening, when the 53 contestants in the Miss America pageant brought back one of the competition's signature traditions: a parade down the seaside resort's boardwalk.
“We used to come here years ago, I’m loving it,” said spectator Debbie Deissler of New Jersey.
More than 200,000 people packed the boardwalk to watch the contestants sport footwear that reflects their state. This was the pageants biggest parade with more than 4,000 marchers and 15 floats.
Miss Delaware, who choose to wear stunning silver stilettos, was glad to see the competition return.
“It’s such a blessing. I’ve been going to Cape May, New Jersey my entire life and consider Jersey beaches my home and the people here are so kind and welcoming of us,” said Rebecca Jackson.
Miss New Jersey sported sea shells, Miss Florida's shoes depict alligators, Miss Indiana's have basketballs and hoops, and Miss Arizona's have a cactus.
Others are took a different approach. Miss South Dakota opted for metal-studded black leather boots.
The crowds also meant dollars signs for businesses along the boardwalk on what would have been a slow day. James Camarota is the manager of Land Shark Bar and Grill.
“We would have thought business and summer was over two weeks ago. We didn’t even think about Labor Day” said Camarota.
The pageant is back in Atlantic City after six years in Las Vegas. The winner will be crowned during Sunday night's nationally televised broadcast.
