Fourth of July....All About Parade Royalty

In small towns and large, and in civic organizations all across America, pageants are held during the year to elect royalty. Kings and Queens, Dukes and Duchesses, Little Misses and scores of other titles are handed out to outstanding young people, who then represent their organization or town during the year of their reign. 

Seguin's Fourth of July parade is always well-represented by these royal personages. Each beautiful young woman beams as she wears her gown and her tiara, each young man stands with pride as he escorts and rules his kingdom. 

Here are several royal personages who caught my eye. 

What a smile! This young woman radiates charm and royal poise as she smile for the camera.

 

Look at this charming young prince, complete with gold trimming and jewels. His hat is adorable, though it might be slightly large for him.

There is an unbelievable amount of work that goes on to create the costumes that the royalty wears. I have included a couple of close-ups of this royal couple's costumes so you can get a good look at how much detailed beading and sewing someone had to do.

These three royals were trying to stay cool when I came upon them. Their skirts were hiked up and they were holding their long hair off their necks. Yet, when I asked to take their photos, they were so accommodating, lowering their skirts and letting down their hair. I hope they were wearing lots of sunblock.

Some queens and princesses don't get to stand on a float. They ride their horses in the parade. They are rodeo queens. The one on the left is Miss Round-Up.

This young couple may or may not be romantically linked, it doesn't matter. With scads of delicate pink roses bejeweled with silver, they reek of romance, reminding all us older folks of the sweetness of youth and young love.

How often does a young woman get to wear such a glittering tiara? Not often enough, if you ask me!

Luling, a small town about 25 miles northeast of Seguin, hosts a watermelon festival every year. Here is their Watermelon Queen.

You don't have to be grown up to be a royal personage. Many towns and organizations also have little princesses and princes, such as these two from the town of Floresville, which is famed for their peanut festival.

I can only imagine the amount of time and work that goes into making the floats and costumes for these royal personages. I do not know how many times the young kings and queens wear their full regalia. I am just glad they come to Seguin and take part in our small town parade. I love the parade royalty.