It will be a special virtual Royal Court for the 125th edition of Ladner May Days, crowning two years’ worth of queens and princesses while paying tribute to the pageantry’s rich history.
When the May Days committee decided to proceed with the Royal Court amid the COVID-19 pandemic, organizer Missy Coghill didn’t know what to expect.
Instead of Delta elementary schools nominating candidates for consideration, students were asked to submit a video, telling a little bit about themselves and some of their favourite things to do. The committee opted to crown queens and princesses from the grade 6 and 7 classes since last year’s fair was cancelled.
“We were concerned,” admitted Coghill. “But a lot of schools have joined in this year and a lot of kids have submitted these super and wonderful videos. They have put a lot of effort into them and it’s been amazing to see.”
Instead of the typical pre-fair pizza party at Memorial Park that would include the naming of the May Queen and princesses, a giant Zoom party will be held instead. A video highlight package will then be released this weekend on the May Days website at: www.ladnermaydays.com.
Coghill has also been busy researching and collecting photos, as well as newspaper articles on the pageant’s history that will also be presented via an online slideshow.
“The response has been huge,” she added. “We have stuff dating back to the early 1930s and news articles describing some of the first ever May Queens from the 1800s.”
