It’s still early but the chamber of commerce is wasting no time in finding candidates for its annual royalty competition.
Each year, candidates sell tickets through door-to-door sales or at food booths to raise money to fund the following year’s Fourth of July festivities. Sales in 2022 totaled $56,260, which is about $30,000 shy of what the organization needs to cover costs.
Candidates have until May 30 to sign up to vie for the titles of king, queen, prince and princess. Last year, only one candidate, Tyson Messmer, signed up. Typically, there are two to three candidates, said Brittani Robbins, executive director of the chamber of commerce. As of last week, there was one potential candidate.
Out of the ticket sales, expenses such as food managers, ticket managers, support teams and utility costs are paid. Thirty percent goes to the candidate and about 40% goes to the chamber coffers for the following year’s celebration costs, including fireworks.
But it takes a lot of work, Robbins said.
“It’s probably the hardest thing you’ll do in a month,” she said.
Food booths typically sell the usual fare of hamburgers, hot dogs, haystacks and other items, but will also offer daily specials like Philly cheesesteak sandwiches.
The highest amount raised was $126,408 in 2016, when two contestants participated. Two years ago, Robbins said Emma Martinsen sold $90,000 in tickets. Though candidates can sell tickets door-to-door, they’re more apt to win if they run a food booth, Robbins said, which requires a regular daily menu, a daily special, food prep, people to operate the booth, a food manager and a ticket manager.
It used to be that only high school juniors and seniors could compete, as it was seen as a way for them to raise money for college tuition. Now the competition is open to anyone 14 and up. Candidates who are 14 through 15 years old can only sell tickets door-to-door due to state raffle laws.
The chamber is also in need of about three royalty competition committee members to help set ground rules for this year’s competition, such as food prices. Robbins said they want new ideas and fresh perspectives. “Your opinion is taken into account,” she said.
To help raise funds to supplement the ticket sales, the chamber is holding a raffle at $50 a ticket. The 400th ticket pulled will win $10,000.
Candidates can sign up in the chamber office inside the Stikine Inn, by calling 907-874-3901 or emailing info@wrangellchamber.com.
Reader Comments(0)