MARYSVILLE — The Strawberry Festival reflected on its 85 years through its Fashion Show June 14 at the Opera House.
The fashions represented a look back on six decades of the 20th Century, modeled by this year’s Strawberry Festival royalty.
After Darlene Scott and Marie Nelson were honored for their combined 126 years of volunteering and community service, Junior Princess Amelia Belmont strutted her stuff in a 1920s-style red flapper dress, complete with a matching red feather headband and boa, plus a string of pearls. She was escorted by Don Whitfield, owner of Whitfield-Leavitt Insurance.
As part of this year’s theme of “Honoring Traditions,” each girl presented a pin to teachers and other adult mentors who made a difference in their lives. Belmont pinned Karen McKellar, her second- and third-grade teacher at Cascade Elementary, who also served as advisor for her running club.
Junior Princess Savanna DeMello, escorted by Marysville Globe and Arlington Times publisher Paul Brown, sought to capture the look of the 1940s with a red-and-white striped top and a basic black skirt, with matching shoes, plus a woven, broad-brimmed hat to screen out the sun. She pinned Crystal Abendroth, who taught her first- and second-grade classes.
Marysville Fire Chief Martin McFalls escorted Junior Princess Isabella Reynaud, who was adorned in the disco stylings of the 1970s. Her pink and turquoise dress, complete with silver sequins, was accessorized with a silver hoop belt and matching sequin headband, silver hoop earrings and a pair of era-appropriate go-go boots.
Reynaud pinned Julia Brusselback, her cheer coach at Sonic Elite All-Stars, because of her help with tumbling and difficult cheer routines, as well as for giving “the best hugs.”
Coastal Community Bank’s Lyle Ryan escorted Senior Princess Callie Burkett, whose buttoned-up jacket and straight skirt evoked the simplicity of the 1930s.
“Callie’s artistic abilities and creativity would not be what they are today without the guidance of Mrs. Alden,” Daly said, as Burkett pinned Alden. “Callie uses drawing techniques taught by Mrs. Alden in her every day life as a relaxing, productive way to use her time.”
Senior Princess Emily Gregg, escorted by Marysville Rotary Past President Larry Jubie, literally came out kicking in a neon aerobics ensemble straight out of the 1980s, which earned plaudits from fellow ’80s aficionado Daly. Gregg credited Marysville-Pilchuck counselor Scott Stokes with helping her throughout high school.
Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring offered his arm to Queen Kennedy Doty, who completed the nostalgic show with a vintage 1950s outfit, from the pink felt poodle skirt that she made herself, to her grandma Sharon’s original Marysville High School letter sweater. Doty honored Terri Ronk, her music teacher at Pinewood Elementary, who helped build her confidence by having her play in front of an audience.
Doty recalled her family’s history with the Strawberry Festival, dating back to her great-grandfather Storm serving as a judge for the first festival. Since then, her great-uncle Larry has served on the board, her father served as president last year, and her big sister Madison was queen in 2013.
“It was always a big tradition for my family to set our chairs out a week before the parade,” said Doty, who was a member of the junior royalty in 2011.
Doty has helped build three floats, and attended 26 parades last year, volunteering more than 700 hours to the festival.
“Someday, I will bring my own kids to the festival,” Doty said. “My dad will help his grandchildren carry their chairs to our favorite spot along the parade route, and together we will pass on the joy and tradition of our hometown festival.”
