Chamber, Privett begin Fourth Royalty push

The push is on for the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce to find local residents who want to take part in the 2013 Fourth of July Royalty court.

Chamber manager Cyni Waddington said she wants to see an increase in the more than $80,000 in sales from last year’s event.

“This year we are beginning in March and we have eager candidates who are going to do awesome work for our community and our goal is to, hopefully, raise $100,000,” Waddington said.

The official court contestants for 2013 are Jennifer Ludwigsen, Darian Meissner and Kayla Rooney.

Last year’s winner, Laura Massin, raised $28,558 during her royalty run and said she believes the annual contest helps to build the community up.

“I think you can make a positive impact on people as the Royalty for Fourth of July,” Massin said. “And, you can use that influence to do positive things in Wrangell. You can inspire people to do well and I believe it helps the community as they go out and raise money for the event.”

The 2012 participants; Massin, Jaynee Fritzinger and Veronica Blunt, brought in a record total of $80,318 in ticket sales – an increase over 2011’s total sales of more than $45,000 raised by the pair of Loni Buness and Jasmine Hernandez.

Jillian Privett is the manager of the 2013 contest. She said the event helps support Wrangell’s Fourth of July extravaganza.

“The purpose behind the royalty contest is to raise money to support the 2014 Fourth of July,” Privett said. “It also gives the contestants a chance to take home 30 percent of their ticket sales. So, it’s money for the Fourth and money for them.”

The deadline to become a contestant was March 18, however, ticket sellers and food booth workers are still needed. If you are interested in supporting the sales effort, call Privett at 305-1095 or the Chamber of Commerce at 874-3901.