“Show Us Your Shoes” Returns: Miss New Jersey Pageant Comes Back to Ocean City

After years of absence, the Miss New Jersey Organization is returning its annual competition and cherished boardwalk parade to Ocean City this week. This marks the revival of a tradition that was part of the resort town for over twenty years.

The Parade: “Crowned in Service, 250 Years of American Leadership”

The Miss New Jersey Organization invites everyone to join the annual Miss New Jersey Parade, themed “Crowned in Service, 250 Years of American Leadership,” happening on Wednesday, June 17, at 7 p.m. on the Ocean City Boardwalk.

Hundreds of well-wishers are anticipated to line the boardwalk to cheer for reigning Miss New Jersey Belle Nicholas and Miss New Jersey’s Teen Delaney Higgins, as well as the 38 contestants vying for the titles of Miss New Jersey 2026 and Miss New Jersey’s Teen 2026.

Mayor Jay Gillian expressed enthusiasm for the Miss New Jersey competition’s return to Ocean City this year. He noted that both residents and visitors eagerly anticipate the week’s events, with the parade providing an excellent opportunity to highlight the city’s iconic Boardwalk.

The parade revives a tradition often nicknamed the “Show Us Your Shoes” Parade, in which contestants ride in convertibles dressed in costumes while showing off elaborately decorated footwear, a nod to a similar boardwalk tradition once associated with the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City.

A Homecoming for Ocean City

This year’s competition truly feels like a homecoming. The Music Pier hosted the Miss New Jersey pageant for 22 straight years before moving to Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City in 2019. Its return to Ocean City this summer reconnects with the community’s longstanding roots.

Ocean City has more Miss New Jersey winners than any other municipality in the program’s history, with three local titleholders: Laurie Berchtold in 1978, Patricia Bowman in 1988, and Amy Fissel in 1991.

History of the Miss New Jersey Competition

The Miss New Jersey pageant dates back to 1933 when it was first organized by the Jaycees and Kiwanis Clubs of New Jersey in Wildwood. For over thirty years, Executive Director Nate Zauber and his wife Betty led the event before it moved to Cherry Hill, then returned to Wildwood in 1990. In 1996, the competition shifted to the Ocean City Music Pier, where it remained for more than twenty years until relocating to Atlantic City.

The Miss New Jersey title serves as an official preliminary to the Miss America competition, focusing on four key cornerstones: style, showmanship, service, and scholarship, as described by organizers.

What the Competition Looks Like

Contestants go through multiple phases throughout the week, including private interviews with judges, on-stage questions, talent shows, and a lifestyle and fitness segment. This category was added when Miss America shifted focus from the traditional swimsuit competition in 2018 to emphasize health and wellness advocacy.

On finals night, the top semifinalists proceed based on their preliminary scores to participate in the lifestyle and fitness segment. The highest-scoring finalists then advance to a final on-stage interview, where they respond to questions about leadership, current events, and their community service initiatives. The evening ends with the crowning of the new Miss New Jersey by the previous titleholder.

What the Winner Receives

Beyond the crown, the new Miss New Jersey not only becomes the state’s representative at the Miss America pageant but also receives a scholarship package to support her education. The Miss New Jersey Organization has recently announced that Stockton University will join as an official scholarship sponsor for 2026, increasing the educational awards for contestants competing for both the Miss New Jersey and Miss New Jersey’s Teen titles.

Winners also assume a year-long role as ambassadors, traveling across the state to promote charitable causes and community service initiatives of their choice before vying for the national Miss America title.

This Year’s Schedule

• Parade: 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 17 — Ocean City Boardwalk
• Preliminaries: 8 p.m., Thursday, June 18, and Friday, June 19 — Ocean City Music Pier
• Miss New Jersey’s Teen Finals: 1 p.m., Saturday, June 20 — Ocean City Music Pier
• Miss New Jersey Finals: 8 p.m., Saturday, June 20 — Ocean City Music Pier

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Miss New Jersey Parade?
The parade is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, on the Ocean City Boardwalk.

Where are the pageant events held?
All competition events, including the preliminaries and finals, take place at the Ocean City Music Pier.

Is there a cost to attend?
Tickets for the Preliminary round and finals can be purchased here

Can local groups participate in the parade?
Yes. High school bands, marching groups, cheerleaders, pep squads, dance groups, scout groups, entertainers, and business or civic organizations with floats are all encouraged to apply. There is no entry fee.

Who is competing this year?
38 contestants are vying for the titles of Miss New Jersey 2026 and Miss New Jersey’s Teen 2026, alongside reigning titleholders Belle Nicholas (Miss New Jersey) and Delaney Higgins (Miss New Jersey’s Teen).

How long was the pageant away from Ocean City?
The Music Pier hosted the competition for 22 consecutive years before it relocated to Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City in 2019. This year marks its return to Ocean City.

What does the winner receive?
The new Miss New Jersey receives a scholarship package — including support from new 2026 sponsor Stockton University — and advances to represent the state at the Miss America competition. Winners also serve a yearlong term as ambassadors supporting community service platforms across the state.

What are the phases of competition?
Contestants compete in a private interview, an on-stage question, a talent portion, and a lifestyle and fitness segment. Top scorers advance to a final on-stage interview before a winner is crowned.

Has Ocean City produced any Miss New Jersey winners before?
Yes. Ocean City has produced three Miss New Jersey titleholders: Laurie Berchtold (1978), Patricia Bowman (1988), and Amy Fissel (1991) — more than any other municipality in the state.

The return of the Miss New Jersey pageant marks a revival of Ocean City’s longstanding tradition. With contestants riding in decorated convertibles and performing at the Music Pier once more, the town reaffirms a summer ritual that has persisted for over twenty years. The pageant’s comeback provides Ocean City with another reason to celebrate.