Queen’s banquet set
Published 10:33 pm Thursday, September 4, 2014
The Suffolk Peanut Fest Queen will be crowned at a Friday evening banquet this year, a first for the Pilot Club of Suffolk event that has traditionally been a Thursday luncheon.
Roberta Powell, a chair of the event, said it is something the club has been thinking about doing for some time.
“We decided this year we would dive in,” she said.
Local artist John Taylor and Pilot Club of Suffolk member Roberta Powell show off some of the decorated pumpkins that will be for sale at the club’s annual Queen’s Banquet later this month. Taylor decorated one of the pumpkins and is providing storage of them at his studio.
The event is set for Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn on East Constance Road. Doors open at 6 p.m.
A Peanut Fest Queen has been honored at every Peanut Festival since 1941. In recent years, the queen has been chosen from among 10 girls — two from each public and private high school in Suffolk — the rest of whom become the queen’s court.
The girls have several official duties at the Peanut Festival, set this year for Oct. 9-12. Among their duties is participating in the popular Peanut Butter Sculpture Contest.
The queen is chosen based on academic achievement, volunteerism and an essay. Also new this year, the queen will read her essay during the program. This year’s essay theme was “We are Nutty About America.”
This year’s centerpieces, painted and decorated fake pumpkins, will be available for purchase, ranging from $15 to $25, depending on the size. They have been completed by Pilot Club members and local artists.
“A lot of tender loving care has been put into making these decorations,” said Leah Powell, a Pilot Club member.
Five of the pumpkins are decked out with the colors, names and mascots of the five local high schools. About 50 total will be available in a range of themes, from beach to fall weather, Roberta Powell said.
The event also will include a silent auction and live musical entertainment by Neil Forrester. Delegate Chris Jones will be the master of ceremonies.
Silent auction items will include golf green fees, dining gift certificates, theater tickets, a weekend beach getaway, men’s and women’s fragrance baskets and more, Roberta Powell said.
Proceeds from the Pilot Club of Suffolk event support local charities and programs including Project Lifesaver, Camp Bruce McCoy, Alzheimer’s Association, Relay For Life, Nansemond-Suffolk Volunteer Rescue Squad, Edmarc Hospice for Children, Suffolk Literacy Council, Genieve Shelter, Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army and the Western Tidewater Free Clinic.
This year’s court includes the following young ladies:
- Sydney Billmeyer and Morgan Hunt from King’s Fork High School
- Courteney Simpson and Lexus Isom from Lakeland High School
- Haley Maddrey and Kristina Super from Nansemond River High School
- Delaney Clark and Olivia Elliott from Nansemond-Suffolk Academy
- Zoe Marie Waddell and Ashley Barton from Suffolk Christian Academy
The queen will be announced publicly for the first time and crowned during the event.
Tickets are $30 each and must be purchased by Sept. 22. Unlike previous years, no tickets will be sold at the door this year.
Tickets are available at the Suffolk Visitor Center, 524 N. Main St. Call 514-4130 for more information.
