| JUNE 11, 2011 -- Three days of festivities kicked off Friday night as the Laurel Festival’s launch party took over the Knights of Columbus hall.
The longest-running pageant of its kind — “it’s not a beauty pageant,” said Lynette McCarthy, but a scholarship pageant — enters its 77th year, with some new additions. However, the 16 finalists came together for one night before the festival’s kickoff.
“77 years,” said co-chair Michele Pellegatto. “We’ve got to keep it going. There’s nothing like it out there.”
Sixteen Winsted residents were chosen — and sponsored by local businesses — as finalists for three scholarships. The Laurel Queen, in addition to the crown, wins a $1,000 scholarship, while the runner-up wins $800 and the third-place finisher earns $500. 2010’s Laurel Queen, Becca Nardi, attested to how important the title was to her growing up.
“Their faces just light up,” said Nardi of the Future Laurel Queens who will accompany finalists.
Nardi currently attends Northeastern University, majoring in international business with a minor in Chinese. The reigning Laurel Queen noted the ongoing tradition of the Laurel Festival, as her grandparents served on the commission.
“We’ve been literally counting down the days until June 10,” said finalist Sophia Cannavo. “It just makes it more exciting.”
Cannavo called the wait “almost nerve-racking,” adding that “it’s so close, but it’s so much fun that you don’t mind.” Between Friday night and the Laurel Queen’s coronation Sunday afternoon, the annual Laurel Ball will be held at Crystal Peak Saturday night. McCarthy noted the Laurel Festival committee has already sold 175 tickets to the ball, while over 70 people attended the kickoff party Friday night.
“We’re doing very well,” said Tracy Colabella. “It’s been a great night.”
Local businesses have turned out in droves to support the Laurel Festival. Each finalist is sponsored by a local business, while 26 vendors have signed on for the Sunday afternoon fair. Held at East End Park, the fair will be the first time businesses have
“The local businesses here came out full force,” said Colabella.
But the highlight of the Laurel Festival will be the parade, starting at 2 p.m. and progressing down Main Street. Once the parade reaches East End Park, the 2011 Laurel Queen will be crowned, starting a busy year for the winner. Just one week later (6/19), the 2011 Laurel Queen will be at the Winchester Grange’s annual Strawberry Festival.
“It’s a good opportunity for the girls to present themselves in public,” McCarthy said. “It’s a good learning experience.” |
