WOODVILLE – The outgoing Dogwood Queen, Lily Grace Read, joked about being “the raining queen” in her remarks before Sophie Marie Smith was crowned as her successor.
For the second year in a row, inclement weather, or the threat of such, caused the Dogwood Festival directors to instigate a venue change for the coronation on Saturday night to the Eagle Summit. This year, however, the Queen’s Weekend parade went off without a hitch, with only a few raindrops felt by attendees before the parade ran its route.
Although rain had been in the forecast, it held off just long enough for everyone to enjoy the parade. In the Commercial division, first place went to the Tyler County Hospital, Second place went to the Tyler County Booster, and Naskila Casino was third place. In the Non-Commercial division, Tyler County Christian Academy was first place, with Chester Baseball and Softball receiving second place. Peachtree Community Church came in third place. Colmesneil Princess Josey Eddins took the top spot in the Princess category with the Warren Princess coming in second and Chester Princess float coming in third. In the Duchess division, Kynli Jo Taft received first place, with Bella Ekstein in second and Tyler Weaver in third place.
For the Dogwood Dash 5K run that kicked off the day’s festivities, and is sponsored by Citizen’s State Bank, many runners participated this year, but Alyssa Mabry and Kikki Dilley took home the trophies for overall female and male runner.
At the coronation, there were 23 visiting Duchesses present representing cities in Texas, Louisiana and California. Eight Ladies in Waiting and five Princesses represented Tyler County’s five schools.
Before the festivities, the mistress of ceremonies and president of the Dogwood Permanent Board of Directors, Kim Overstreet-Shaw, paid tribute, through tears, to three late longtime volunteers who had been associated with Dogwood: Mandy Kraus Risinger, Fred Sullivan and Don Shaw.
Also part of the royal court were the Children of the Court and Trainbearers. The stage, with all the court and their escorts, was a beautiful sight. She was escorted by Easton Evans, the son of Michael and Sarah Evans.
Other members of the royal court were also honored during the ceremony.
Hollie Jarrott of Woodville was named Princess of Tyler County, Marlee Vaughn of Kyle was selected as Royal Duchess, and Kynli Jo Taft of Jasper received the title of Grand Duchess.
A special recognition was given to Johnny Brooks, who was named this year’s Mr. East Texas, honoring his contributions and commitment to our community.
The festival also celebrated individuals who have made valued contributions to the festival and to our county through the presentation of the Wheat Awards. This year’s recipients included the Tyler County Booster; DeLondon Speights; Sondra Williams and Roxanne Babin.
Following the crowning of the queen, attendees enjoyed the historical play, which focused on the history of several churches in the county, and was a fitting ending to a wonderful day and a prelude to Easter Sunday.
