Queen Contest Returns For Historic Fourth

Every Fourth of July celebration has its traditions.

There are parades, music, fireworks and neighbors lining the streets with lawn chairs long before the first float rolls by. This year, another tradition returns as Marshfield prepares to crown its Fourth of July queen during one of the community's biggest celebrations in years.

Helping make that happen is Renee Davidson, who has spent much of her life organizing community pageants and festivals.

Davidson coordinated the Apple Princess contest during the Seymour Apple Festival for 25 years and volunteered with the festival for 37 years before recently stepping down as president. When Marshfield parade chairman Nicholas Inman needed someone to organize this year's queen contest, her name quickly came to mind.

"I guess they remembered I had done this before," Davidson said with a laugh.

This is only the second time she's organized Marshfield's Fourth of July queen contest, but she said its purpose has always been clear.

"This isn't a beauty contest," she said. "We want to know who these young ladies are inside."

Contestants, ages 16 to 18, complete a questionnaire that focuses on personality, interests and character rather than appearance.

"We judge them on personality," Davidson said. "It's about who you are."

A queen, first runner-up and second runner-up will be selected.

Davidson said she hopes the contest gives young women an opportunity to build confidence while representing their community.

This year's celebration is especially meaningful as Marshfield hosts one of the oldest Independence Day celebrations west of the Mississippi while also celebrating America's 250th birthday.

"It's a special year," she said.

Applications are available on the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Completed questionnaires may be emailed to rennewallace11@gmail.com or dropped off at Renee's Place salon on Seymour Square.

For Davidson, the goal is simple.

"I just encourage the girls to come on and join the event," she said.

She hopes the experience becomes a memory they'll carry with them long after this year's Fourth of July celebration comes to an end.