2023 Cashmere Royalty

After a somewhat slow start to our year, the Cashmere Float Association is excited to share that the long-standing community tradition of Cashmere Royalty is off to a strong start! After submitting applications and resumes to the Float Association, seven young women from Cashmere High School each went through an interview in front of three judges on Monday, March 10. Interviewing and judging in the royalty selection were Erin Boatwright, staff member for Wenatchee Apple Blossom; Cassie Warman, retired college vice president; and Stacy Vickrey, psychologist.  Each Candidate was asked 10 questions, one of which was “Who is the mayor of Cashmere?”, and others that ranged from what their personal goals are to how they believe they can best serve the community through their reign as royalty. All the candidates did incredibly well. Juniors Ivette Alvarado, Reese Westlund, Naomi Valle, and Faith Kert ran; as did Sophomores Kimberly Strong, Gabrielle Winchester, and Pariz Avilez. Directly following the seven interviews, our 2023-2024 Cashmere Royalty was announced and crowned in the presence of their families.

Queen Reese Westlund daughter of Michelle and Josh Westlund, Princess Faith Kert daughter of Holly and Trevor Kert, and Princess Naomi Valle daughter of Ericka and Juan Valle will be serving as Cashmere Royalty! Each of these young ladies will receive a scholarship provided by the Cashmere Rotary Club.

Our slow start this year was due to a major overhaul in the Royalty Candidacy Program. In years past, there has been a big pageant. All candidates would prepare and give a 2-5 minute speech, share a talent,  and answer impromptu questions on stage in front of the community. Past candidates also got to experience individual interviews. Due to many circumstances, the committee made the difficult decision to no longer hold the pageant. This year the candidates were judged based on applications, resumes, a short writing, community service completed, and individual interviews. Beginning in 2024 a speech element will be added to the program. The committee is still ironing out the details of how to best implement this, so there will be more information coming.

Another new aspect of the Cashmere Royalty Program is the opportunity for the selected royalty to serve internships for the Cashmere Chamber! These internships will help develop public relations, social media marketing, and event planning. All skills that will translate nicely onto college and scholarship applications, as well as job applications and resumes.

This year Queen Reese, Princess Faith, and Princess Naomi are so excited to travel around Washington showing off the biggest float in the state! Yes, you read that right! The Cashmere Float will be back in action! Their first appearance will be Wenatchee’s Apple Blossom Festival Grand Parade on May 6, 2023. Be sure to go support them and check out their dance moves as they travel the parade route! Other local parades Cashmere Royalty can be seen in are Manson Apple Festival, Leavenworth Autumn Festival, and of course Cashmere’s own Founders’ Day Parade!

Cashmere Float Association is looking for volunteers! The most immediate need is help with putting the float together! If you are interested in lending a hand in any way please email cashmereroyalty@yahoo.com.