Wanted: Kings and Queens

In other places, the Fourth of July is a long four months away. But in Wrangell, that means it’s just around the corner.

“Fourth of July is coming. It’s kind of the kick-off to everything. People are starting to show up, and the town gets really alive and fun stuff happens. It’s just a good time, all around,” says Jillian Privett.

2012 Fourth of July royalty candidates – Photo courtesy of the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce

Privett is the royalty coordinator for the 2013 Fourth of July royalty contest. And she’s looking for kings and queens.

“My job is to basically answer any questions the girls have, make sure they’re on track, make sure their ticket managers are picking up tickets and dispersing them, and just keeping the girls on track—making it so they don’t pull their hair out.”

She says a candidate can be male or female of any age, as long as they’re willing to work hard until the celebration.

“The next few months they’re going to have to get food permits. They’re going to have to get their sponsors and supporters. They’re going to have to lock down a certified kitchen. They’re going to have to get their booths set up, think about fundraisers, raffles, all that kind of stuff. Basically, they’re going to hit the ground running and they’re not going to stop until the Fourth of July when they pick that ticket to see who won,” says Privett.

But it’s not just the royalty that will be working hard. Royalty candidates must find food and ticket managers, sponsors, and supporters.

“Companies around town have been getting hit up with girls asking them to be their sponsors. And a sponsor pays $250. They can also get supporters, and that’s a $50 donation. And you pretty much get your name up on the side of their queen booth that says ‘thank you for being my sponsor, thank you for being my supporter.’ And just knowing that they helped out the community is good,” says Privett.

She says the food managers are responsible for knowing all the ins and outs of the food booth. The ticket managers ensure the queen has all the tickets she needs to sell every day. The royalty candidate makes 30% of his or her total profits and, for the first time this year, the managers will each make 3%.

She says, aside from the money, getting involved is a great way to give back to the community.

“It’s a whole community thing. The girls work their buns off and then everybody supports them the whole month. It’s a lot of work but, like I said, it’s worth it. And it’s benefiting the community, so it’s a good thing to do,” says Privett.