Dick Clark hosted four Miss USA pageants in Wichita

Dick Clark, who died Wednesday at the age of 82, hosted four Miss USA pageants in Wichita in the early 1990s.

Clark was the host of the Miss USA Pageant from 1988 to 1993, according to the Miss Universe organization. Miss USA took place at Century II in Wichita for four consecutive years from 1990 to 1993.

Clark and his wife Kari Clark traveled to Wichita each year when the pageant approached. They would openly dine in local restaurants, including the Pasta Mill downtown, and would graciously visit with fans who stopped by their table to meet them. He earned a reputation for being nice to everyone he crossed paths with in Wichita, from caterers to residents who were fans.

This story was originally published April 18, 2012 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Dick Clark hosted four Miss USA pageants in Wichita."