Counting down to Miss America pageant on Sunday
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- It's pageant weekend in Atlantic City!
The contestants hoping to be crowned Miss America 2016 on Sunday are not only in town, they've already been competing!
Now, they're counting down to the big night!
On Friday, friends and family of the contestants are took in the sights and sounds of Miss America.
"I pray one day I'll be on that stage," said Claire McConnell of Union City, TN. She's here to support her friend, who happens to be Miss Tennessee.
It's her first time in Atlantic City.
"We ate at White House subs and Angelo's tonight," Claire said.
Prelims are done, so now the contestants are getting ready while waiting to find out who makes the final cut to compete for the crown.
Earlier Friday, the Miss America pageant held its inaugural 9/11 Military Appreciation Concert.
After September 11, 2001, the organization had to decide whether the show would go on. They decided to go forward and to honor all the victims and first responders with this concert.
"You didn't want to disrespect the moment that was going on, but you didn't want to give in by removing an American way of life," said Miss America 2000 Heather French.
A part of American life, and history, that young women still aspire to today.
"Just to know that Miss Tennessee is a real girl, not just the girl that I pictured on TV," Claire said.
The next event will be Saturday at 5 p.m. with the "Show Us Your Shoes" Parade.
Watch the Miss America competition LIVE on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 9 p.m. ET | 8 p.m. CT on ABC!
For more, visit MissAmerica.org
