Miss California, Miss New York, Miss Illinois and more contestants reveal hidden gems from their hometowns before competing for Miss America 2026.
This year's Miss California is 22 year old Jessa Carmack, a Bay Area native who used to be a 49ers cheerleader.
There she is! Contestants from across the country compete to be Miss America 2016.
Vanessa Williams returned to the Miss America stage more than 30 years after she was stripped of her crown.
From the welcome ceremony, to outrageous shoes, and to the preliminary competition, see photos of the events leading up to Miss America 2016.
The 2016 Miss America Pageant airs Sunday on ABC7 News and the reigning Miss America, who has Bay Area connections, will hand over her crown.