| JUNE 13, 2011 -- People lined the streets, whistling and clapping as each car and float passed on Main Street Sunday for the 2011 Laurel Festival Parade, awaiting the moment 16 high school girls have been looking forward to for nearly weeks.
After a few ‘thank yous’ and some ceremonial tributes at East End Park’s stage following the parade, Madison Kelly Peltier was named the 2011 Laurel Queen in front of a large gathering.
Peltier, a senior at Northwestern Regional 7 High School and sponsored by Highland Lake Watershed Association, was not only handed a crown, sash and bouquet from 2010 queen, Rebecca Nardi, but she was also given a proclamation from State Rep. John Rigby, R-Winchester, and a $1,000 scholarship. The newest queen choked back the tears as she smiled, receiving the crown with grace.
In its 77th year, the Laurel Queen is one of the longest-running pageants of its kind, a way for local girls to reach the public and receive some new learning experiences. The 2011 Laurel Queen will be appearing at Winchester Grange’s annual Strawberry Festival on Sunday, June 19th, Father's Day.
“It’s not always easy being queen,” warned Nardi to the 16 finalists. “But, it is the most rewarding.”
“It was even more marvelous being the princess,” she added.
The runner-up and Gilbert School senior, Katelyn Bailey, was awarded an $800 scholarship, while third place finisher, Mallory Rotunda, also a Gilbert School senior, won a $500 scholarship.
Sunday’s festivities included a line of local vendors — 26 signed up — sharing their trades with residents at the park. The day’s crowning of Peltier as the 2011 queen topped the weekend-long festivities, which also held a kick-off party Friday, the Laurel Ball at Crystal Peak on Saturday and a car show Sunday morning. |
