The Mohegan Sun announced Thursday along with the Miss America Organization that resort casino in southeastern Connecticut will host the competition for the next three years. This deal means the competition’s 100th anniversary will be celebrated in the Nutmeg State when it is broadcast live this coming December.
MIKE CHAIKEN PHOTO
The Sun hosted the Miss America’s last competition in December 2019.
The 2020 competition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. State competitions like Miss Connecticut, which will be held this weekend in the casino’s Cabaret, had to be canceled as well.
In a press statement, Jeff Hamilton, president and general manager of the Mohegan Sun, said, “Following the success of the Miss America 2020 competition at Mohegan Sun, we knew we had created something very special here in Connecticut and we’re thrilled to be able to host Miss America events and competitions for the next three years at our destination”.
“Miss America will now become one of Mohegan Sun’s largest annual events in terms of size, scope, and reach, allowing us to continue to deliver world-class, unique experiences to all those who step through our doors,” said Hamilton in the press release. “We share many values with MAO, such as community support and empowerment, and we are excited and honored to add the like-minded organization to our incredible roster of renowned partners.”
The press release said the competition’s 100th anniversary “will continue to highlight a diverse group of young students and professionals who are advancing the message of female strength, independence, and empowerment through their efforts in the areas of scholarship, talent, and social impact.
“For 100 years Miss America has been an icon, a champion for social causes, and one of the leading providers of scholarships to women in the country”, said Shantel Krebs, Miss America Organization president and CEO, in a written statement. “We are thrilled to have Mohegan Sun join us in this mission.“
In addition to the final night of competition, the Sun said it will host the preliminary competition in the Earth Expo and Convention Center.
The “Show Us Your Shoes” parade, which had been a mainstay of the Atlantic City competition, is likely to return this year in Connecticut.