When festival queens ruled Sonoma County

From the turn of the 19th century, Sonoma County festivals have had queens reigning over the celebrations. See photos from back in the day.|
JANET BALICKI WEBER
FOR THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

Although, beauty contests have become less popular in recent years, many of our earliest agricultural festivals have included a queen and her court to preside over our seasonal celebrations.

The Luther Burbank Rose Parade and Festival started out as the Rose Carnival with a grand parade and preceding coronation gala to select a queen that would reign over the weekend's events. The event was a lavish affair with an orchestra and royal costumes.

Sebastopol's Apple Blossom Festival had queens, princesses and a court from 1949 to 1989. The first queens were selected from a pool of cute grade school kids, but later titles were given to high school students who pre-sold the most festival tickets.

These spring festival beauties aren't judged solely on their looks. Many contests require academic success and agricultural prowess. The Sonoma County Fair's Wine Country Rodeo Queens are skilled in both horsemanship and public speaking. The California Milk Advisory Board's Dairy Princesses are ambassadors for the industry and must be knowledgeable and articulate.

Click through our gallery above to learn more about the history of our festival queens and princesses.

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