Come meet Miss America

SANDUSKY — Even after winning the crown more than six decades ago, she remains royalty to many, especially those from her hometown. An upcoming celebration not only honors Jackie Mayer but also pays respect to the people she greatly appreciates: anyone with a tie to Sandusky. Saturday marks the second-annual Jackie Mayer Day, scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. at the Merry-Go-Round Museum, 301 Jackson St., in Sandusky. It's actually being hosted by the Downtown Sandusky Cedar Point Historical Museum, housed within the building. Those who attend can: • Listen to a short presentation from Mayer, happening shortly past noon, who will recall her signature moment of becoming Miss America 1963; She'll also talk about her efforts to raise awareness for strokes. • Take part in a meet-and-greet session with Mayer; Guests can snap pictures with and receive autographs from Mayer, who will bring her crown as well. • Tour the museum, which — beyond showcasing thousands of Cedar Point-related items — presents a special display of Mayer's most prized possessions, consisting of gloves, gowns, photos and other documents chronicling her victory. There is a cost to attend: $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $6 for kids but free for children under 3. All proceeds benefit the Merry-Go-Round Museum. After a successful first outing in 2025, those overseeing the Cedar Point museum wanted to, once again, offer this event, making it a yearly celebration. "Jackie has been a great supporter of the museum and is such an important person to Sandusky," said Candy Frankowski, a retired 37-year-long Cedar Point employee, museum supporter and event coordinator for Saturday's function. "She is such a great role model, and we're excited to have her back." Mayer, meanwhile, invites people — no matter if they've met her or not — to Saturday's gathering. "A lot of people don't know me, but they have seen the highway sign," said Mayer, referencing the Ohio 2 indicator, proudly displaying her name and a section forever known as the Jackie Mayer Miss America Highway. "I love this museum. It's so beautiful," said Mayer, a 1960 Sandusky High School graduate. "And I also love Sandusky and Sanduskains and those from the surrounding area. I'm so proud to represent my city anywhere I go. This is my home. This is my community. And I'm looking forward to seeing people and meeting others that I don't know." Staying busy These days, Mayer still calls Sandusky home but often travels. This would include: • Visiting with her two children and five grandchildren, scattered across the country • Attending the yearly Miss America pageant; She plans on going to this year's pageant as well, scheduled to span from late August through early September in West Palm Beach, Florida • Stopping by local events, which, most recently, involved checking out the Ironman 70.3 Ohio event and a Happy Thursday Community Bike Ride gathering • Donating and remaining charitable to many causes; Because of her humanitarian efforts, she's received many community-based tributes. Before being sold, Providence Hospital — now Firelands Regional Medical Center — named its rehab unit after Mayer. • Traveling to other festivals with royalty contests and pageants, near and far, supporting children who can use these competitions as springboards to better their lives "There are a lot of opportunities that can result from them," said Mayer, noting her personal role in pageants gave her the confidence to pursue theater and attend college, eventually graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in humanities. She also received two honorary doctorates. "You can receive scholarships to pay for education. You can become a more understanding and better person." • Serving as a motivational speaker for the American Heart Association for years after suffering a paralyzing stroke in 1970 that took her about 10 years to fully recover; This impacted how she spoke, taking up to seven years to regain her speech. Mayer continues to spread hope and provide information on stroke-related conditions. "I am so proud of being Miss America, but I'm just as proud representing the American Heart Association," said Mayer, who, because of her determination and unwavering commitment toward this cause, has won numerous achievements. This would include the Award of Hope and Courage from the National Stroke Association. "I just enjoy talking with people and raising awareness with those in rehab and stroke survivors but also the general public," Mayer said. She continued: "It's important that, if you have a problem with your face, like if it's drooping or if you're slurring your words or have weakness in one side of your body or the other, get an ambulance or go to the hospital right away to see if you are having a stroke. This is most important for you and your loved ones." Through her many years, Mayer learned many valuable life lessons she today emphasizes whenever presenting on behalf of the association or simply with friends, family members and even strangers. "We have to learn how to be the best we can be," Mayer said. Mayer explained: "It's really important, no matter what someone has gone through in life, to count your blessings and stay positive. There is always something you can do to improve yourself and help others." Recalling the past Mayer's best day wasn't becoming Miss Vacationland 1962, which led to earning the title of Miss America 1963. It also wasn't winning the Miss America crown, which actually took place in 1962 as well. It was a few weeks later, on Nov. 1, 1962, when a homecoming for Mayer occurred in Sandusky. An estimated 80,000 people attended the parade, going through downtown, snaking through Sandusky and leading into Strobel Field at Sandusky High School. The Eaglettes — a famous, all-girl marching, drum and bugle corps — marched in front of her. Bands from surrounding areas also played. And more than 30 floats also participated in the parade. Luncheons, ribbon-cuttings and other tributes followed on that day and still do decades later, such as with the highway renaming in 2001. Going back to Nov. 1, 1962, "That day, the city truly became a community. I've never seen anything like that," Mayer said. "People loved each other. They came together. And for me to be at the center of it, it's just an incredible feeling I'm grateful for." Mayer remains forever appreciative of the love and appreciation shown to her that day. And, ever since then, she made and kept a promise to always reciprocate those emotions by always staying faithful to Sandusky and supporting many efforts locals rely upon. "I felt so good that day, and I feel even more so about the community today," Mayer said. "That's why I'm still here: When someone walks down the street and says, 'That's Miss America,' I say 'Thank you,' but I also say, 'I'm Jackie Mayer from Sandusky, Ohio.'"