The Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court were invited to a special reveal of the Queen’s exhibit at the Florida Strawberry Festival Tuesday evening.
Each year, the exhibit in Neighborhood Village highlights a showcase of the current queen and court as well as a special presentation featuring a former queen. Maintained by Marsha Passmore and Dodie White, the exhibit is redesigned each year to match the festival’s theme.
The 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Kendall Gaudens, as well as First Maid Madilyn Conrad and Court Members Olivia Frazier, Jada Brown and Kennedy Cullins, were joined by their family for the grand reveal. The gown worn by Gaudens at the pageant is on exhibition as are many photos of the Queen and Court in a special “It’s a Hit” themed display.
Silvia Azorin, now Silvia Dodson, was the 1968 Strawberry Festival Queen. Images from her reign, as well as a special photo album, her trophy and her crown are in the former queen display at the end of the exhibit. Dodson also attended the reveal and shared stories of how the pageant has changed over the last several decades.
“The big difference is the number of outfits you have now,” Dodson joked. “We had one dress and it carried us through the entire year. By the end our heels were looking rough.”
Though the current royals took the crown only a month ago, they said they’re already making lasting memories. So far they’ve most enjoyed being able to represent the festival and help build partnership prior to the event.
The 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival kicks off on Feb. 28 and runs through March 10. The exhibit will be open during festival hours in Neighborhood Village.