Royals attend Springtime Tallahassee Festival

St. Augustine’s Royal Family informed local Historic City News reporters that they will participate in this morning’s Grand Parade as part of a weeklong celebration in our state’s capitol.

Today marks the 43rd annual Springtime Tallahassee Festival with over 200,000 attendees enjoying the Grand Parade, Arts and Crafts Jubilee, Seafood Festival and Main Stage Music Fest.

“This year’s theme is “What’s Cookin?” and allows us to reach for the stars while still maintaining our rich traditions,” said General Chairman, Elle Mick. “It is sure to create long lasting memories of a weekend with the Springtime Tallahassee members.”

Tori Baker, a student at Flagler College, was one of the entourage that left yesterday morning with the Royal Trio to participate in the annual heritage event.

“Everyone over there is so nice to their St. Johns County visitors,” she told Historic City News. “We get invited back year after year.”

Serving in the ceremonial roles this year are Suzanne Hazen as Queen Mariana; Jaime Blevins as Princess Margarita Maria; and James Solana III as the boy King Carlos. The three re-enactors preside over Easter Festival activities here in town each year and represents St. Augustine at numerous out-of-town events.

“The Trio will be riding in one of our traditional horse-drawn carriages,” Tori’s mother told Historic City News. “It is a huge parade and the Trio is always a hit.”

This evening’s Crash Party will culminate a year’s worth of planning in celebration of the festival weekend.

Springtime members come from all segments of the community including government employees, university staff and employees, professionals, independent businessmen, and executives from national firms that have banded together to continue the tradition established by the charter members in 1967.

Not only do Springtime members collectively donate over 50,000 volunteer hours putting on the Springtime Tallahassee Festival, each krewe supports other civic and charitable organizations. For example, over the last few years the Krewes have assisted with Habitat for Humanity, Children’s Home Society, Toys for Tots, Treehouse, WFSU Telethon, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Adopt-a-Family, Cold Night Shelter, Sharing Tree, Humane Society, Christmas Connection, and Second Harvest Food Bank.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph by Lena Barnett Solana