Royalty ticket sales come close to record

Emma Martinsen and Cassady Cowan came close to setting a record for Fourth of July fundraising raffle ticket sales this year, totaling $114,564.

They were not much behind the 2016 record of $126,408 and far exceeded the pandemic-crimped sales of 2020, while about doubling the number from 2019.

"These girls are, along with the community, what makes this Fourth of July celebration possible," Stephanie Cook, with the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce, said at the coronation ceremony at the Nolan Center last Saturday evening. "Thank you so much, I really appreciate both of you."

Cowan and Martinsen spent the past month selling raffle tickets to raise money for the chamber. Proceeds go toward future Fourth of July events, but the participants also get to keep a portion of their own fundraising for their education. Whoever raises the most money is named the queen (or king) of Fourth of July.

This year the title of queen went to Martinsen, at $98,556 in ticket sales. Runner-up Cowan, at $16,008, was named Fourth of July princess.

Martinsen spent all of June, along with family and other volunteers, running a food booth at the downtown pavilion. Cowan raised money through bake sales and other events throughout the month.

"All of the love and support I've received from our community is a clear testament of what Wrangell is about," Martinsen said. "Growing up in a such close community has taught me many things, and the love and support received from running for queen is just a reflection of what the community of Wrangell has to offer."

In her remarks, Cowan also shared her thanks. "I'd like to thank the community of Wrangell for pushing me harder and for seeing what this community has to offer," she said.