PORT TOWNSEND — The two candidates for the 2024 Rhododendron Festival Queen spoke of the need for kindness and presence in the world at the first of four speaking engagements before the coronation in February.
Paige Govia, 18, and Rosey Schmucker, 17, both Chimacum High School seniors, are competing for the queen’s crown with the other to be named Rhody princess. The coronation is set for 1 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Chimacum High School, 91 W. Valley Road, tickets are $5 at the door.
Govia, a 2023 Rhody princess, is the first princess to be permitted to compete again for Rhody queen.
This year’s Rhododendron Festival runs from May 15 through May 19.
The float will be unveiled at noon Saturday, April 20, at the Port Townsend golf course, 1948 Blaine St.
In addition to the Rhododendron Festival, the royalty attends a variety of community events and will also ride the Rhody float at 10 other parades and festivals around the state, including Sequim’s Irrigation Festival on May 11, and the Quilcene Parade on Sept. 21.
The two candidates were presented at the 2024 Royalty Tea on Sunday in Port Townsend’s Quench Restaurant and Bar and they spoke on Wednesday at a Port Townsend Sunrise Rotary meeting.
Sunrise Rotary has been the first stop by Rhododendron Festival royalty since the club was formed in 1999.
The candidates were asked to tell the Rotarians what they consider the greatest gift that we can give others.
Govia responded that the greatest gift we can give is kindness and generosity, be it a smile or lending a hand or an ear.
Schmucker said the greatest gift is presence, not presents like at Christmas, but being present, both physically and spiritually, for friends, family or others in need.
Paige Govia is the daughter of Carlene and Richard Govia.
She is currently the Rivals football and basketball cheer co-captain and competes in throwing events on the track team.
She is the Associated Student Body secretary, the secretary for the Interact club, participates in Knowledge Bowl and is on the year book staff.
She plans on attending college to study either endocrinology or journalism or both, if possible.
Rosey Schmucker is the daughter of Andy and Anita Schmucker.
She is involved with school yearbook and with Jefferson County Holiday Meals.
She enjoys reading, dancing and writing her own little books.
She would like to attend a 2-year college, possibly studying forensics.
The pair was judged by rotary members based on the member’s overall impression and the candidates’ connection with the audience, disposition, speaking skills and creativity.
They were judged on the same criteria during a similar engagement at the Rotary Club of East Jefferson County on Thursday. The two also will be judged by a panel of past Rhody royalty on Jan. 25, and the Port Townsend Kiwanis Club on Jan. 31.
The candidates performance at speaking engagements will comprise 30 percent of their total score in the competition to determine which of them will be crowned 2024 Rhododendron Festival Queen.
The rest of the score is based on the judges’ interviews, 25 percent; royalty training committee vote, 10 percent; community service, 10 percent; and the coronation program, 25 percent.
The Rhody Queen receives a $2,250 scholarship plus $250 cash; the princess will receive a $1,750 scholarship plus $250 cash.
Fundraising events are set from March through May.
• March 9, noon — Rhody Cornhole Tournament at the American Legion Hall, 209 Monroe St., Port Townsend.
• Each Wednesday in April, 7 p.m. — Barstool Bingo at Hilltop Tavern, 2510 W Sims Way, Port Townsend.
• April 27, May 4 and May 11, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Port Townsend Farmers Market, 650 Tyler St., Port Townsend.
• May 11 — Rhody Memorial 18-Hole Golf Individual – Port Townsend golf course, 1948 Blaine St.
Festival events are:
Wednesday, May 15:
• Trike Races, 6 p.m. on Water Street.
Thursday, May 16:
• Pet Parade, 5:30 p.m. on Lawrence Street.
• Kiddies Parade, 3:30 p.m., on Lawrence Street.
• Hair and Beard Contest, 6 p.m., Water Street
• Bed Races, 6:30 p.m., on Water Street.
• Opening Ceremony and welcome royalty, 7:30 p.m., Pope Marine Park.
Saturday, May 18:
• Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser, from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Port Townsend Elks Lodge.
• Rhody Patrons 9-hole Golf Scramble, 9 a.m., May 18, Port Townsend Golf Course.
• Sunrise Rotary “Running of the Balls,” 12:30 p.m., Monroe Street.
• Grand Parade, 1 p.m., begins uptown and proceeds to downtown.
• Cake Picnic, 3-ish (after the parade) at Pope Marine Park.
• Spaghetti Feed, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, May 18, Port Townsend Elks Lodge.
Sunday, May 19:
• Rhody Scholarship 18-hole Best Ball Tournament, 9 a.m., Port Townsend Golf Course.
• Rhody Run, 9 a.m., Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
For more information, visit www.rhodyfestival.org, or email rhodyfest@gmail.com.
