The Queen Selection Program is a staple event for the Annual De Soto Heritage Festival. Each year, the Hernando de Soto Historical Society selects 10 young women to represent their organization on the Queen’s Court. They spend four months getting to learn the history of Hernando de Soto and Bradenton, Florida, as well as learning how to walk, talk and curtsy. They meet members within the organization and are mentors for their paired Conquistadorable who are between the ages of 7 and 10.
The Queen Selection Program is a night you’ll want to bring the whole family to. You can watch as the amazing, young ladies of the Queen’s Court model a variety of styles and answer on stage questions. There will be music, entertainment, special guests, and the crowning of their little Conquistadorables.
Not only will they get to walk the runway in their official outfits, donated by The Lace Buckle Boutique, but they each get to model an outfit of their choosing to showcase their personality. The questions they answer on stage will be fun and interactive, and you might even learn something about Hernando de Soto!
This is a big night for the Queen’s Court ladies, as this is night one for voting by the members. The girls on this year’s court are Briana Bird, Presley Blunkall, Alexandria Cruz, Julian Grover, Kaylah Gunst, Merissa Mahoney, Shea Stockton, Brianna Peterson, and Rylan Walker. You can support them by cheering them on in the crowd!
Out of these young ladies, a Queen and Princess will be selected and crowned at the Ball. Those two girls will spend one year traveling and attending different Festivals. This allows them to promote the Hernando de Soto Historical Society and build connections around the world.
