New Jersey officials confirmed this week that the Miss America Pageant will be returning to Atlantic City.

The pageant had been held in Atlantic City for its first 85 years, but was moved to Las Vegas in 2006.

“We are so very proud to bring Miss America back to her birthplace in Atlantic City,” said Sam Haskell, chairman of the Miss America Organization. “We are grateful to Governor Christie and his staff for helping make this possible. Throughout the decades, Miss America has evolved into an organization that enables over 12,000 young women to enter and participate in our scholarship program each and every year. Today, Miss America remains an iconic symbol, and our roots have always stayed connected to Atlantic City. Our proud heritage is rich in history, having been named by USA Today as one of the Top Ten pieces of Americana remaining in our great country today.”

Atlantic City is expected to sign a multi-year contract to hold the Miss America pageants in the city.

The official announcement of the pageant’s return was made by Kim Guadagno, lieutenant governor of New Jersey. A ceremony, today made it clear that New Jersey officials consider the pageant an opportunity to lure tourists to the state, and particularly to Atlantic City’s Boardwalk.

“For decades, the Miss America organization has awarded scholarships to thousands of young women to help further their goals of higher education and achieve their dreams,” said Guadagno. “New Jersey is proud to once again host the Miss America Pageant here in Atlantic City.”

(Image courtesy the Miss America Organization)