Miss New Jersey Cara McCollum introduces herself to America in a new video playing up her Garden State home with a wink at her birth state of Arkansas.

Screen shot from Miss New Jersey's "America's Choice" video
Screen shot from Miss New Jersey's "America's Choice" video (YouTube)
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The pageant returns to Atlantic City in September and McCollum takes the home court advantage by recording her video for the "America's Choice" competition from the boardwalk and beach in front of Boardwalk Hall.

"After 7 long years I'm proud that my state can welcome back the Miss America pageant to its birthplace and rightful home, Atlantic City, New Jersey," exclaims McCollum.

In the video McCollum tries to pay her toll with her Miss New Jersey crown. After scrambling to find change she asks the attendant. "How much will you take for this?" He replies, "Aw, that's pretty." McCollum also admits she is originally from Arkansas and wears a big red floppy hat and asks "Is this Jerseylicious enough?" as a big red "X" gives the answer.

McCollum shows more of her sense of humor by preparing her secret smoothie recipe: vanilla ice cream for calcium, powdered protein and vitamins topped with a chocolate chip cookie.

On a serious note she talks about her charity, the Birthday Book Project, which she says  sends wrapped books to underprivileged children on their birthday.

As part of the pageant all contestants have posted a video about themselves as part of the "America's Choice" competition. The winner is guaranteed a spot in the top 15.

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