Atlantic City gets photo-ready Miss America statue

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ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — The Miss America Pageant is in Atlantic City only once a year, but visitors to the seaside resort where the historic pageant began can now have their own crowning moments year-round.

The city dedicated a statue of Miss America on Monday, modeled loosely on former title holder Mallory Hagan but incorporating features from other past winners.

The statue depicts Miss America holding out the crown for a new winner to wear. It quickly became a popular photo spot for strollers on the Boardwalk.

The Miss America Pageant returned to Atlantic City last year after a stint in Las Vegas.

The nationally televised finale will be held Sept. 14, the day after the annual “Show Us Your Shoes” parade.