City of Orangeburg to crown Festival of Roses Queen and Princess

Five contestants will square off during the queen competition in the areas of interview, casual wear, talent and evening gown. Each contestant will be asked an on-stage question.

The newly crowned queen will receive a $1,500 scholarship, with the first runner-up receiving $750 and the second runner-up receiving $500 in scholarship awards. The talent winner will also receive $500.

This year’s queen contestants include:

• Kelcee Jamia Cleckley, 18, of Orangeburg, who attends Edisto High School

• Leigha Elizabeth Maier, 17, of Orangeburg, who attends Orangeburg Prep

• Elizabeth G. Holmes, 18, of North Augusta, who attends Strom Thurmond High School

• Caelah Khaniya Hair, 17, of Orangeburg, who attends Edisto High School

• Aubrey Elizabeth Ford, 18, of Orangeburg, who is homeschooled

This year’s princess contestants include:

• Wee Princess of Roses (ages 4-6): Peyton Elizabeth Bunton, Lily Belle Chubb, Cayleigh Amira Logan, Braelyn Anne McGugan, Bellamy Rae Rice, Madeline McClary Strange and Madelyn Kay Till

• Little Princess of Roses (ages 7-9): Gentry Louise Baggette, McKenzie Elise Ford and Keyonni Mila Polk

• Young Princess of Roses (ages 10-12): Delilah Mae Howe, London RoseMary Howerton and Olivia Rae Johnston

• Teen Princess of Roses (ages 13-14): Hallie Ann Casselman, Alexis Linn McGannon, Alexis Grace Smoak and Layna Kate West

• Princess of Roses (ages 15-16): Lainey Grace Baggette, Emily Abigail Crider, MaKenzie Danielle Livingston and Zoe Wingard

Each division will crown a princess, first runner-up and second runner-up.

An overall People’s Choice Award will be given to the princess contestant receiving the most votes during the pageant.

Votes can be cast in the lobby and will be $1 each, cash only.

The winning Queen and Princesses of Roses will attend the Festival of Roses on Saturday, May 4, and will represent the City of Orangeburg on a float during the Orangeburg County Christmas Parade.

The pageant will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Stevenson Auditorium, located at 979 Middleton Street. Admission is $5 per person, cash only at the door. Admission is free for children five and under.