By admin April 24, 2021
A year has passed, and here I find myself back in Renovo, a town I never knew would hold such a special place in my heart. I look back on last year’s festival with the fondest memories and am beyond blessed to have the chance to return and relive this wonderful weekend! I had no idea what to expect upon arrival at the 2018 Flaming Foliage Festival. I was embraced with open arms by the people of Renovo, the other Queen Contestants and their escorts, and the judges and coordinators. The girls I met were absolutely incredible. They continuously amazed me with their varying passions and dreams. I was surrounded by young adults who were already changing the world They are some of the best people I’ve ever had the chance of meeting.
I also lucked out with having the most kind and considerate host! She would stay up with me when I • returned from the day’s activities and talk to me while I ironed out my clothes for the next day. I was the first Queen Contestant she hosted, and now I have the chance to stay with her again this year as the reigning Queen!
This Flaming Foliage Festival I look forward to the next group of girls getting to experience the magic that is truly present here: the energy during the parade, the warmth at the banquet, the liveliness at the dance, and the exciting Final moments at Coronation. When people ask me what my favorite memory was from my senior year, I talk about this festival. Or when I need to remind myself of who I am and where I came from, I look back on my short time in Renovo and remember how accepted and comfortable I felt. There wasn’t a moment where I wasn’t taking in every second. I would never have guessed that I would be able to come back and feel that all over again.
So no matter who you are or where you are from, while you’re in Renovo, put life aside and celebrate those around you: the Queen Contestants being recognized for their dedication to their schools, communities, country, and world, the gifted vendors sharing their art and creations, the children for their innocence, believing that the Queen Contestants are princesses, strangers enjoying one another’s company, making conversation, and you; I hope during all of this you, yourself, can take time to celebrate your own life, for you are the only one who has lived it, and that is a gift in and of itself.
Sincerely,
Kailey Pisani
2018 Flaming Foliage Festival Queen