Ward Chosen Seafood Queen at Revived Pageant

In a wonderful return to its former glory, the Florida Seafood Festival revived its annual pageant Saturday night after too long of a drought.

With brilliant colored gowns, sparkling humor from the emcees and inspiring talents, a full field of seven contestants vied for the coveted crown. Because of a dearth of contestants, the crown had been awarded based on an essay competition ever since 2004.

After a tightly-run evening of entertainment at the new consolidated school's cafetorium from Pam Nobles Studios' dancers, singer Ashley Carroll and dancer Savannah Cook, emcee Royce Rolstad and 2007 Seafood Queen Parrish Johnson read off the winning names.

Miss Congeniality went to Franklin County High School senior Patricia Golden, while Port St. Joe High School junior Sara Ward took homes trophies for Physical Fitness (15 percent of the scoring) and interview (40 percent of the scoring).

FCHS senior Brittany Hunnings was awarded tops in poise and appearance (25 percent of the scoring) and talent (20 percent of the tally).

A hush swept like a satin evening gown through the audience as FCHS senior Paige Moses was selected first runner-up, and Ward was named the 2008 Seafood Queen, to have the tiara placed on her head by Johnson.

"I'm just shocked and I am every honored to be selected," said Ward afterwards. "It's something I've always wanted, to be able to represent Franklin County and the seafood industry as well as the workers. It's an honor.

Ward extended her gratitude to the influence of her late grandfather Buddy Ward, a longtime Apalachicola seafood dealer who championed the cause of keeping the industry alive and vital. He passed away a few years ago after a stubborn and courageous fight with cancer.

"To be honest he really helped me get the interview," said Ward, 16. "All I did was think about him because I know when he lived he did anything he could to help the seafood industry to stay alive. He had a zero percent chance of living, and 18 years later he died, and all that time he worked."

Ward said she plans to talk with the festival committee to see about having her father, 13 Mile oyster dealer Tommy Ward, serve as King Retsyo. He has held that honor once before, in 1996.

Rolstad, a television personality on Forgotten Coast TV and vice-president of the festival board, kept the evening lively by stepping out from a stuffy role and having a good time himself. He tried, with comic effect, to imitate the dance moves that were deftly performed by hip-hop dancers Derick Rhodes, Isaiah Buzbee and Andre Lucas. He flirted with the "Hot Flashes," the dancers from Pam Nobles studios, and he kept the evening moving smoothly when any gaps threatened to appear.

Christy Crosby, a member of the festival, oversaw the evening's affair, with assistance from fellow board members Rachel Chesnut, Tress Anderson and Sybil Kemper and former member Catherine Scott, and lots of other volunteers. Also serving on the board this year are John Solomon, president; Butch Baker, secretary; Monica Lemieux, treasurer; and directors Kevin Ward, Monica Moron, Danny Gay, Ted Mosteller, Michael Shuler, and Carl Whaley.

Judges included Shawn Yao, Laurie Russell and Linda Fagan, all from outside the county.

The evening got underway with the talent portion of the pageant, led off by FCHS senior Shelby Lipscomb, who performed the song "Horse with No Name" on guitar. Lipscomb plans to join the Coast Guard, earn a degree in criminal science and ultimately work for the Drug Enforcement Agency.

Following her on the stage was FCHS junior Joy Carrino, who performed the Moody Blues' "Knights in White Satin" on the flute, to the recorded accompaniment of her father, Robert Carrino, on the guitar. She is setting her sights on a volleyball scholarship to the University of Florida, and ultimately to become a college volleyball coach.

Next was Golden, who performed a lyrical dance to "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis. She plans to become a lawyer.

She was followed by Ward, who danced to the song "Iris." She is shooting for a degree in business and to own her own business.

FCHS junior Desiree Trest chose a different type of performance, reading an original poem. She described her purpose "to meet her destiny and go where God wants her to go and be who he wants her to be."

Finishing up the talent presentation was Moses, who danced to Garth Brooks' hit "Standing by the Fire," She plans to attend Florida State University and earn a degree that will lead to a career as an x-ray technician.

Hunnings closed the performances by singing Miranda Lambert's hit "Famous in a Small Town." Her ambition is to attend college and become a physical therapist.

Johnson took a moment to thank the festival for their support during her reign. "It was both a joy and fulfilling experience to represent the seafood industry and the wonderful efforts of the seafood workers in Franklin County," she said. "I will take with me many fond memories, such as the parades, the activities, the friendly people of the community and the festival itself."

Rolstad reminded the audience that this year's festival will feature Daryle Singletary at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1 at Battery Park, followed by the band "Little Texas" at 8 p.m.

To allow the contestants time to change clothes and prepare for the physical fitness routine, Franklin County Middle School cheerleader Savannah Cook performed an interpretative dance of "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me.

Later, after the "Hot Flashes" performed, Franklin County Middle School cheerleader Ashley Carroll sang Martina McBride's "Broken Wings, as the contestants readied for the poise and appearance portion of the program.

Rolstad and Johnson narrated the poise and appearance portion of the evening, describing the contestant's activities and interests as each moved gracefully across the stage. That aspect of the evening closed with a routine choreographed by Nobles to the song "Put A Little Love in Your Heart."