The reason? Declining ratings.

What a changed world it is that this announcement is not startling news. This is first time in half-a-century that pageant does not have a television commitment! Once upon a time, idea of becoming Miss America was every school girl's dream. And a sneaked glimpse of Miss America in her bathing suit was every teen-aged boy's fantasy. Er...not to mention a lot of older fella's as well. So decline of pageant into television mediocrity is a recent phenomenon. In decade of 90's pageant's ratings were decent. Certainly not equal of what they were in glory years of 50s and 60s when pageant was a broadcast that viewers of all ages did not want to miss. But more than acceptable in a divided television world of endless cable channels.

Perhaps pageant has survived as long as it has on reputation, and viewing habits of an audience that has been aging each year. The shocking Vanessa Williams scandal of 1984 did not destroy pageant. Neither did Bert Park's replacement as master of ceremonies a couple of years earlier. Could any man ever equal his rendition of "There She Is Miss America?"

Park's signature song in event.

Vanessa Williams, notwithstanding, what has apparently done in Miss America is SEX. The easy accessibility of tawdry entertainment not only on broadcast television, but via cable, vcr tapes, cds, and downloadable product from internet. The once risque Miss America pageant has been rendered into irrelevancy. Adult beauty pageants are no longer particulary cool or hip, and as they remain on broadcast channels are now an easy target for ever zealous right-wingers who dislike women parading around half-naked on television. Zealots who knew they were overmatched during pageant's popular heyday.

Christmas is a wonderful time to get together with friends and family. A Christmas party has an automatic theme, "Christmas."  To have a unique and different kind of Christmas party try using a party theme"  

A theme helps to create a festive atmosphere at your party.  Decorating to a theme with party supplies presents a special feeling. Some party theme ideas include luau, western, black light, Hawaiian, Mardi Gras, characters, fiesta, sports, 50's, roaring 20's, disco 80's, hippie 60's, cowboy hats, and patriotic.  The party theme should be followed throughout each aspect of event including party invitations, food, party decorations, and music.

Party games and activities add excitement to any event.  Some party ideas for party games and activities include: physical games, crafts, and brain games. Always have an extra game or activity to fill a possible lull at party.  Party Games Etc has TONS of FREE party game ideas for Christmas and other holidays including Halloween, and Hanukkah.  Also, they have bridal shower games and baby shower games (for future reference)!