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Current VF Queen and Court Mix Well with Queens from the Past on a Hot Sunday
By Nichole Bulter
The temperature hit 91 degrees this past Sunday. For May, that’s pretty hot. That’s Saint Louis weather for you! It is also proof that nothing, even the dry heat of the hottest sun we’ve had to date this year can’t stop all of Florissant from celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Valley of Flowers.
This year’s Valley of Flowers Beauty Queen Pageant was extra special. All 48 past queens were invited back for the celebration; 17 past queens attended, and the 2012 candidates wore commemorative 50th anniversary sashes made by Florissant’s own Sandie’s Interiors.
After braving the heat wave during the city-wide parade, the 13 queen candidates walked on stage looking stunning. Their beautiful gowns paired with their bright pageant smiles painted a picture of pure perfection and it was evident that each girl was feeling cooler than a cucumber and ready to try on that crown.
Mayor Tom Schneider said it best as he addressed the crowd just before announcing this year’s court, “What better way to celebrate the beauty that is Florissant than to celebrate the beauty of these young women.”
The crowd clapped and roared with excitement as each fortunate girl stepped forward, graciously accepted her sash and flowers, and took her place at the front of stage beaming from ear to ear:
1st Special Maid: Lauren Lemp, sponsored by Florissant Valley Jaycees
2nd Special Maid: Paola Ramirez, sponsored by Edible Arrangements
3rd Special Maid: Delaney Callan, sponsored by North County CYC
1st Runner Up: Courtney Brooks, sponsored by NCCU
Queen: Monica Wilson, sponsored by Don Henefer Jewelers
With so many of the previous queens in attendance, it was definitely a crowning to be seen. The ceremony proved to pay tribute to one of, if not the, most celebrated events in Florissant history.
Board Member Mary Gettemeier closed the ceremony by saying “We hope to see you next year as we celebrate the next half century!” (see additional photos on pages 8, 13, 16)
The heat, which many said was the hottest anyone can remember for a Valley of Flowers weekend, didn’t keep people away this year, so it surely won’t next year.
