Remember beautiful high school girls riding through town in convertibles and dressed in their prom gowns? Bud and the Dynamics? A coronation high atop Hyner View? Remember the tireless efforts of the X Club to house a dazzling array of high school queens and their escorts? Who can forget the host of Miss Pennsylvanias standing by year after year to crown a new queen of the fall?
The town of Renovo had been host to 1260-some girls over the past 43 years.
These queen contestants brought this small town in the Endless Mountains a parade of changing fashions and hair styles, but have remained “the typical American high school girls” that the festival judges choose new royalty from each year. While the three P’s of “poise, personality and pulchritude” (That last one means “shape,” by the way) aren’t mentioned anymore, the judges still know a queen who exemplifies these qualities when they see one.
Still a part of the fun are the parades, the local talent shows, the Future Queen and Future Escort chosen from area youngsters each fall, the balloon derbies which were once the principal source of festival income, and the brilliant fall foliage that gives the festival its name and lends a natural backdrop for the royal events.
The first festivals were conceived by the Bucktail Park Association to promote Lock Haven, Renovo and Emporium, as well as other points, as hospitality spots for tourists along the scenic Bucktail Trail.
The scholarships in the first years were state senatorial ones, amounting to $1,400 for four years, good at one of four schools in Pennsylvania. They were procured and presented to the queens by Sen. George B. Stevenson of Lock Haven for many years. He was part of the ceremonies from the first year.
Sherrill Verna Hiller, Miss Jersey Shore, was named “first in a line of Autumn monarchs” by one area newspaper. The first festival queen, crowned in 1949, has been returning to Renovo as a festival judge each fall and has served in that capacity for 19 years, including 1991.
Her runners-up were Phoebe Erickson of DuBois and Eleanor Duck of Madisonburg.
Miss Hiller received a crown in a leaf design, made out of stainless steel, in a Hyner ceremony under summery sunshine.
Pennsylvania Governor James H. Duff spoke at the first coronation and crowned the queen. Modern technology brought the first coronation speech to the crowd of around 1,000 through a microphone system.
The governor also cut the ribbon to open the six-mile road to scenic Hyner View.
The first festival began the week before the traditional second weekend of October, with a beauty contest, where Miss Hiller was named queen out of 30 girls. The banquet was held at the Fallon Hotel, and the girls were presented at the Lock Haven vs. Bellefonte football game on Oct. 1.
The next Saturday, E. Greak “Rusty” Taylor of Ridgway was named best old-time fiddler and Abner Smith of Emporium best square dance caller at contests in Emporium.
Lt. Gov. Daniel B. Strickler also re-dedicated the monument at Driftwood to the Bucktail Rangers who floated down to Harrisburg on rafts to enlist in the Civil War. Legionnaires from Cameron and Clinton counties must have presented a colorful, dramatic sight as they re-enacted the Rangers’ departure, complete with the famous Bucktail hats that gave the Rangers and the state park their names.
Jack Smyth of Renovo was president of the Bucktail Park Association that year.
Another area name long associated with Flaming Foliage is Carl H. Bergdahl, who became the Renovo chairman for the event in 1950.
The first of two festival canoe races was held that year over the 40 miles of river between Keating and Lock Haven. Emporium also hosted the state championship square dance contest with 2,500 dancers.
The 31 contestants flew in Piper Pacers and enjoyed a Friday banquet at the Clinton Country Club. They also dined at the Renovo Country Club.
A second Miss Jersey Shore won the title, Edith Marie Lauler. Miss Lauler was named queen Friday night at the Lock Haven football game. In second place was Miss DuBois, Lillian McNally, and in third place Clara Irene Shearer of Mill Hall, who took the title of Miss Flaming Foliage in 1951.
Miss Lauler was crowned by Miss Pennsylvania Emilie Longacre, and 600 silvery balloons were released at the ceremony atop Hyner Mountain, part of the festival balloon derby.
The two coronation speakers were Congressman Robert F. Rich and Larry Woodin of Wellsboro. The crowd enjoyed an ox roast at Hyner Airport Inn in the Indian summer weather after the ceremony.
Miss Shearer moved up from third place to festival queen in 1951. She was chosen out of 29 girls, with runners-up being Freda Beck of Hublersville and Ruth Kronenwetter of Emporium.
Miss Shearer received the first senatorial scholarship in a coronation forced indoors to the Renovo Country Club by rain.
The weather held, though, for the second canoe race on Saturday, from Hyner to Lock Haven, with 35 teams entered. The winners in the men’s division were the Meadville team, who also came in first in 1950 – Russell C. Watson and Ted J. Maziarz. Winning women’s team members were Patty Helt and Dorothy “Tommy” McGhee. Two Hyner boys came in first in the youngsters’ division, Wayne Bradney and Merle Prebble.
Another square dance was held that weekend in Emporium.
The first Renovo queen to win the crown was Sonya Brown in 1952. She and her partner won the cake walk at the Queen’s Ball in Emporium, but her father, Spencer Brown, hit a deer on Route 120 and had to be towed.
Miss Brown was chosen out of 37 contestants, the most ever in the history of the festival. Other finalists were Sari Bergliot DeJuhasz of State College, Sandra Stover of South Williamsport and Nancy Jean Barnett of Emporium.
A state policemen’s rodeo was held in Emporium, but no events were held in Lock Haven for the first year ever.
The coronation was memorable for the 5,000 in the audience for an Indian tribal dance performed atop a giant, 15-foot drum by 10 Explorer Scouts from Monongahala, Pa. A flock of geese added to the fall beauty by flying in V formation through the first batch of derby balloons let loose at Hyner View.
In 1953 Miss Williamsport, Carol Diane Phillips, was crowned queen out of around 30 girls, in front of a crowd of 4,000. She was the only queen from Williamsport in festival history. Saturday events including a Dogpatch football game were again held in Emporium.
William S. Livengood, state secretary of Internal Affairs, was coronation speaker. Jack B. Smyth, owner of the Renovo Record, received a framed, color photo of Hyner View. He was honored as a past president of the Bucktail Park Association, a position he held for two years. At the time, he was publishing a new daily newspaper in Dover, Delaware.
Runners-up in 1953 were Betty Stahlnecker, Miss DuBois, and Judith Dwyer, Miss Port Allegany.
In 1954, Lock Haven sponsored its first festival queen, Marilyn Dumm. The ceremony was held indoors for the second time ever, in the Renovo YMCA. Runners-up out of the 24 other girls were Gloria Zuchowski of Wellsboro and Lois Myers of Johnsonburg.
Frank Pitkin, director of the State Planning Commission, was both coronation speaker and judge. He returned as judge for several more festivals.
Saturday events including a parade, banquet and ball were held in Emporium.
In 1955, Donald Mason took over as festival chairman, a position Carl Bergdahl had filled. Miss Lewisburg, Jean Fornwalt, was crowned queen with runners-up Sandra Feigles of Williamsport and Patty Mack of DuBois. A record-breaking crowd of 6,000 attended the festival coronation, to see the 31 queen contestants.
Hundreds of balloons were again launched at the crowning. While it was a beautiful Indian summer day, the foliage had not quite reached its peak.
This was the first year that Renovo hosted the Flaming Foliage weekend on its own.
The second queen from Renovo, Carol Ann Weber, was named. Out of the 17 other contestants, runners-up were Jane Holtzapple of Muncy and Arlene Fae Mimium of Lewisburg.
Gerald A. Gleeson, state secretary of the Department of Revenue, spoke at the coronation at the airport.
The 1956 parade featured 44 units, and Tom Darlington and his orchestra from Philadelphia entertained at the Queen’s Ball. Darlington also served as a festival judge. The orchestra leader’s name is one linked with Flaming Foliage for over 25 years, with him serving as M.C. for many events.
Carl Bergdahl again became festival chairman in 1957. The ‘flu’ hit contestants, bands and local committee members, but a happy note occurred when Miss Flaming Foliage 1951, Clara Shearer VanGorder of Lock Haven gave birth to a son on festival Saturday morning.
Barbara T. Dale of State College was crowned queen out of 29 girls, with runners-up tied for second place. Miss Bellefonte, Christine Manchester, and Miss Cameron County, Heather A. Streich. Miss Streich returned to the festival the next year, 1958, as the Laurel Queen.
1957 was the first year Renovo contestants were barred and the first year for the Festival Hostesses from the local high school.
Red, blue and yellow balloons were released as Miss Dale was named queen in front of a crowd of 3,000. Coronation speaker was the Rev. Dr. Elvin Clay Myers, executive director of the Methodist Foundation, a church-sponsored higher education program.
Another guest of honor joined the Laurel Queen at the 1958 festival, National Queen of the Furrow, Dauna Doebler of Jersey Shore R.D., daughter of former Renovo residents, Mr. and Mrs. David Doebler.
Judy Carol Yeagle, Miss Montgomery-Clinton Township, brought her school its only listing in the annals of festival queens. Runners-up out of the 30 other queen contestants were Miss Lock Haven, Diane Dicello, and Miss Wellsboro, Gale Cruttenden. William Voigt, executive director of the state Fish Commission, was the featured coronation speaker.
This year’s festival was memorable for the sports car races held Saturday.
Nick Gianoplos took over the position of festival chairman in 1959, serving for only one year.
Hyner State Park offered a new attraction to festival goers this year, and Renovo presented an art show.
Sherry Ann Germini became the first Miss Milton to win the leaf crown over 29 other girls. Runners-up were Mary C. Lyons of South Williamsport and Mary Normanly of Cameron County. Lt. Gov. John Morgan Davis spoke to the coronation crowd of 5,000.
Miss Smethport 1959 was an exchange student from Belgium, Huetta Aleweaters.
Howard Bradney assumed festival chairmanship in 1960 and Carol Mitcheltree was the first Miss Montoursville to be crowned Flaming Foliage Queen. Her escort was hospitalized Saturday night when he became ill, but was released in time to see her crowned.
This year’s event boasted the largest parade in the festival’s past history and the largest crowds.
Miss Lock Haven, Carol Koch, first runner-up, missed the crown by only one judging point. Miss Montgomery, Vicki Bartlett, was second runner-up out of over 30 girls.
The 1961 coronation was the third one ever to be held indoors due to rain. Tina Nichols, Miss State College, was crowned queen over 29 other contestants. She almost missed her own coronation, as she was engrossed in studying for an exam while waiting in the YMCA lobby. She later related the humorous story that her feet were so cold in the parade, since she was riding in a convertible and had her shoes off, that her escort sat on them to keep them warm.
Her runners-up were Miss Bald Eagle-Nittany, Barbara Gardner, and Miss Loyalsock, Sandra Denenberg. Gov. David L. Lawrence spoke at the coronation and crowned the queen.
Eileen Elizabeth O’Keefe, Miss Cameron County, was crowned Miss Flaming Foliage 1962 at a nearly-perfect coronation. Two small hitches did occur in the musical entertainment. A momentary power failure stopped the organ accompaniment for William Cohick’s solo. The Avis singer also lost his sheet music to a stray gust of wind, but recovered it from the platform floor without missing a note. His organist was Irene Stout, who played for many festivals.
Dr. Eric Walker, president of The Pennsylvania State University, spoke at the coronation. Miss Pennsylvania, Crystale Martin, was also a festival speaker.
The 1962 runners-up were Linda Troy of Bellefonte and Susan Markle of Jersey Shore.
The first Miss Bald Eagle Area to reign over the festival was crowned in 1963 when Patricia Anne Hoover was chosen out of 30 girls. Her runners-up were Miss Sugar Valley, Nikki Marie Verrier, and Miss Galeton, Margie Snyder.
The Air Force provided a guided missile, which they drove to Renovo, to highlight the festival. The Rascal, a long-range, rocket-powered, air-to-surface guided missile was displayed at the rear of the coronation platform. A C-97 strato-freighter flew over to salute the festival. It was the largest propellor-driven freighter of its type.
Lt. Gov. Raymond P. Shafer, spoke, and the chairman was M. Ned Lunger.
John R. Moriarty became chairman in 1964 for his first of five years in that office. The largest crowd ever greeted the largest parade ever of 70 units in beautiful weather.
William T. Piper Sr., president of Piper Aircraft Corp., spoke at the coronation, and Betty Wenrick became the first Miss DuBois to wear the crown. Out of the 30 other queen contestants, Susan Belford, Miss Milton, and Patricia Rine, Miss Bellefonte, were runners-up.
The first Miss Congeniality Award went to Miss Lewisburg, Alison Heiler, in 1965. Queen Sharon Vogt, Miss Cameron County, was crowned indoors at the high school auditorium, and Greater Renovo Television provided a closed-circuit television show of the ceremony to those who could not crowd into the auditorium. Runners-up out of the 31 other queens were Jean Kerstetter of Sugar Valley and Betty Jane Waltz of Mansfield.
Attorney General Walter Alessandroni was the speaker.
The first Mr. Congeniality was Don Knecht of Galeton, elected by his fellow escorts in 1966. Miss Congeniality was Molly Anderson of Bellefonte.
Linda Jo DeVine of Jersey Shore was crowned Flaming Foliage Queen in beautiful weather out of 30 contestants. Her runners-up were Miss DuBois, Sue Hasselback, and Miss Port Allegany, Cathleen Weis.
State Secretary of Commerce John K. Tabor was the featured speaker.
Part of the 1967 festivities was the presentation of a certificate for landscaping and beautification of the Bush Dam recreation area. The presentation was made by the executive secretary of the Men’s Garden Clubs of America, George A. Spader. Lt. Gen. William F. Cassidy of Baltimore, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers received the honor for the best project of its type in the country.
The Air Force also sponsored an exhibit of life-sized models of a space capsule and a missile on Fifth Street, in front of borough hall. Another Renovo art show added to festival events.
Miss Lock Haven, Carol Lynn Andrews, was crowned Miss Flaming Foliage 1967. Runners-up were Susan Kodad representing Bald Eagle-Nittany and Cherie Reeder representing Williamsport.
Miss Pennsylvania, Doris Ann Lausch, joined the 28 high school queens. She was to sing, but the rain cut short the coronation program.
Robert Bartlett, state secretary of highways, was coronation speaker.
Another Miss Pennsylvania, Sue Robinson, attended Flaming Foliage 1968, along with Mrs. Pennsylvania, Judy Gillis.
Miss Johnsonburg, Bonita Kreigish, became the first contestant from her school to win the crown. She has been the only Miss Johnsonburg crowned queen so far in festival history. Her runners-up out of 28 other contestants were Kaleen Richardson of Wellsboro and Cathy Newhard of Montgomery. Miss Congeniality was Miss Bellefonte, Bobbi Jo Kunstanbauter. She was named by the 28 other contestants.
The John Lavelle Orchestra performed “There’s a Place in Pennsylvania” written for the festival by the late Lou Lavalle. The song included a turkey call, and was a festival tradition.
Perrin C. Hamilton, state secretary of property and supplies, was the speaker.
Lunger became chairman again in 1969, with co-chairmen Dick Miller and Dick Carl.
The parade was the “largest ever,” as other parades had been in the· past, with 13 divisions.
Susan Laubscher of Lock Haven was chosen out of 27 girls to wear the crown, with runners-up Kathleen Cooney of Johnsonburg and Kim S. Lowry representing Loyalsock. Miss Congeniality was Mary A. Vossler of Smethport, and her runner-up was Darlene Rosette of Cameron County High School.
Lt. Gov. Raymond Broderick was the speaker for a coronation crowd of over 4,500, and Miss Pennsylvania, Trudy Lee Pedersen, sang.
The 27 contestants in the 1970 festival had a rainy parade on Saturday and a coronation ceremony in the new Bucktail Area High School. Miss Milton, Linell Margaret Runyon, wore the crown and was also named Miss Congeniality. Runners-up were Rebecca Seco of St. Marys and Janet Hilfiger of North Penn.
Glenn Bower, executive director of the state Game Commission, addressed the coronation crowd, and Miss Pennsylvania, Margaret Walker, was on hand.
Chairman Bill Leonard, Miller and Carl put the 1970 festival together. Leonard and Carl were joined by Lunger to continue the festival in 1971 with 24 contestants.
The five-day affair saw Linda Jean Johnston of Montoursville crowned queen, the second Montoursville contestant to receive the honor. Miss Pennsylvania, Maureen Wimmer, assisted in the crowning and sang.
The two runners-up, Santa Teresa Stone of Jersey Shore, and Carol L. Ranck of Lewisburg, shared the Miss Congeniality Award.
Mrs. Mary Hall was honored with a commemorative watch for her 17 years of service as queens’ and hostesses’ advisor. She was moving to Kane, Pa., where her husband, Robert Hall, manager of the Renovo A&P Store, was being transferred.
It was the fourth rainy coronation in a row and the second one in a row to be held indoors. Lt. Gov. Ernest P. Kline was coronation speaker.
Another five-day festival was held in 1972 with 23 contestants. Teachers’ strikes were keeping the contestants’ numbers low in these years. The team of Carl, Lunger and Leonard presented a festival that was perfect except for the cold weather and few colorful leaves to greet the girls.
Debra Lingenfelter of Cameron County was crowned queen by Miss Pennsylvania, Linda Olson, and by last year’s queen. Her runners-up were Mary Brigitte Jackson of Milton, who was also named Miss Congeniality, and Joan Kilt of Montoursville.
Big John Riley of WFBG-TV, Altoona, was the main coronation speaker.
Past chairmen Smyth and Bergdahl were honored at the 1973 coronation ceremony where Miss DuBois, Chris Gaffney, received both the crown and the Miss Congeniality Award. Dawn Benson of Williamsport and Diane Austin of North Penn were runners-up. All three girls were separated by only one judging vote.
The first Mr. Congeniality since 1966 was Wayne Beatty of Jersey Shore.
The secretary of the state Department of Environmental Resources, Dr. Maurice K. Goddard, presented a citation to the borough from Gov. Milton J. Shapp for “25 years of drawing attention to the land of the endless mountains.” U.S. Senator Hugh Scott (R-PA) was the main speaker. The festival committee under chairman Francis Sutliff also arranged for fireworks for Saturday.
Norman Rowe became chairman in 1974, the year the festival became the Pennsylvania State Flaming Foliage Festival Inc. State Secretary of Agriculture James McHale presented the Rev. Ogden Ludlow of Renovo with a scroll designating Renovo as the site of the annual festival. Rev. Ludlow read the scroll and presented it to Rowe in a history-making ceremony. The scroll also named the flag created by students of Renovo schools and put together by Nora Poleto, art teacher, as the official festival banner.
It was the second year in a row that a Miss DuBois won the crown. Joan Marie Cooper was chosen out of 24 contestants. Her runners-up were Paula Redis, Miss Bucktail, who was also named Miss Congeniality, and Karen Jo Dingman, Miss Galeton. Scott Bastian of North Penn was named Mr. Congeniality.
State Senator Henry G. Hager (R-23rd) was coronation speaker.
Hang-gliding became part of the coronation for the first time in 1975. The crowd was awed to see the hang-glider competition before the queen was crowned, as amateurs soared down to the airport field from the 1,300 foot high peak. “Smokin’ Joe” Miller of Philadelphia also did stunts in mid-air.
Miss Pennsylvania, Connie Harness, crowned Barbara Speckman of Bald Eagle Area High the 1975 queen. Runners-up were Cynthia Moore of Jersey Shore and Dawn Fredericks of DuBois. The 25 contestants elected Lynn Franck of Montoursville as Miss Congeniality. Craig Yearick of Muncy was Mr. Congeniality.
Pete Wambach, director of public relations for the state Department of Commerce and famous for his, “It’s a Beautiful Day in Pennsylvania” broadcasts, was the banquet speaker, along with Miss Pennsylvania.
Time Fritz, anchorman of WTAJ-TV, Altoona, spoke to a crowd of 5,000 at the outdoor coronation.
Chairman Joyce Mase, daughter of the past chairman Bill Leonard, declared the theme as the Bicentennial.
In the Bicentennial year, 1976, Representative Albert W. Johnson (R-Smethport) presented two flags that flew over the nation’s capital, one to the Renovo Elementary School and the other to the Renovo Tourist Association.
Mr. and Mrs. James Conti, owners of the coronation field, received a plaque from RTA for their support. Boy Scout Troop 137 of Renovo erected a flag pole atop Hyner Mountain, and chairman Daniel R. Harger received an award at the banquet for his work.
Joseph Smyth, a Renovo native, publisher of the Dover, Delaware State News, was the featured speaker. His grandfather, John Smyth, helped form the Bucktail State Park Association 42 years in the past, and his father, Jack Smyth, had assisted Carl Bergdahl in founding the Flaming Foliage Festival.
In spite of the historic, eventful weekend, the weather put a damper on the parade, cancelling it for the first and only time in festival history. Some bands and units entertained indoors, and the Battle of the Bands to be held Saturday evening was also moved inside.
Kelly Long of Bald Eagle-Nittany High was crowned queen, and the first runner-up was again voted Miss Congeniality, Nola Lee Crist of Jersey Shore. Second runner-up was Rhonda Young of Williamsport. Larry Richardson, her escort, was Mr. Congeniality. Again, Renovo hosted 24 high school queens.
Jan Marie Shadle became the third Renovo contestant to win the crown in 1977. Her mother, Janet Wells Shadle, represented BEN in 1956.
Runners- up were Pamela A. Morton of Lock Haven and Gay E. Solomon of Lewisburg. Miss Milton, Carmen J. Redfern, was named Miss Congeniality. John R. Beschler of Sugar Valley High was Mr. Congeniality.
Usually events this year headed by Chairman Daniel R. Harger, included a horseshoe-pitching contest, a greased pig-catching contest and a tennis tournament. Outdoor church services were scheduled at 10 a.m. at the coronation field, and the parade was to be three hours long. Rain cut it short, however.
Dr. John “Peanut” Heaps, who grew up in North Bend and helped lay the ground work for Baseball for Boys, Flag Football for Boys, and Biddy League Basketball, was the banquet speaker. At the time, Heaps was a professor and baseball coach at Mansfield State College.
Cleo Bartoletti received a plaque at the banquet for her many years as a parade judge. Howard Bradney also was given a plaque for his festival support. Betty Cozzi also received a flower centerpiece.
Manny Gordon, a forest ranger famous for his “Enjoy, enjoy” commercial for television, spoke at the 1978 coronation and delighted the crowd with his rendition of the now-famous phrase. This was the last outdoor coronation in festival history.
Out of 28 contestants, Miss Milton, Cynthia L. Melone, was crowned queen, with runners-up Heather Ann Crosser as Miss Jersey Shore and Melodie D. Schell as Miss Montoursville. Theresa Ritter of Loyalsock was Miss Congeniality and Sam Lush of Galeton won the escorts’ award.
Mary Shoup of Cameron County was crowned queen out of 27 contestants in 1979. Her escort, Bill Wortman, was named Mr. Congeniality. Runners-up were June Ann Robbins, Miss Milton, and Alyce Nyberg, Miss Bald Eagle Area. Christine Czekai of Johnsonburg was Miss Congeniality.
State Senator Robert Kusse was coronation speaker.
David Watt was chairman in 1978 and 1979. In 1980, he served as coronation chairman and presented the first annual Harold Watt Memorial Award in memory of his father to festival chairman Joyce Mase and parade and finance chairman Paul J. Fantaskey.
Joyce Mase also presented a special award to Dick Carl, who served as parade MC, Bill Leonard and Ned Lunger for their festival dedication.
This was the third year in a row that Milton High School had a contestant who placed in the top two finalists. Robin Earnest of Milton was crowned queen out of 26 contestants. First runner-up was Kathy Shockloss of Loyalsock.
The second runner-up, Kathy Crist of Jersey Shore, also won the first annual Miss Photogenic Award. The award is based on the judges’ opinions of photographs taken of the contestants after they register on festival Friday.
Miss Congeniality was Holli Broughton of Liberty, and Michael Karstetter of Sugar Valley High was named Mr. Congeniality.
The first annual all-male “Miss America” Pageant was held in 1980, before festival weekend, with Butch Knauff as winner. He got the annual event off to a good start when he was named the title-holder by kissing both the M.C. James Knauff, who happened to be his proud (?) father, and the head judge, state representative Russell P. Letterman.
Nancy Jean Nichol of DuBois was crowned queen in 1981 and also won the Miss Photogenic Award. Her first runner-up, Dianna Jeanne Dresser of BEN, was voted Miss Congeniality. Babette Sue Hovis of Port Allegany was second runner-up, and Eric Coleman of Milton was named Mr. Congeniality.
The 24 contestants and the coronation crowd were addressed by Jim Rooker, broadcaster for the Pittsburgh Pirates and former Pirate pitcher. Chairman this year was Paul J. Fantaskey who headed both the parade and finance committees, as he did in 1982 and again for the 35th annual festival.
”Miss America” was not held in 1982, but an elaborate fashion show was presented instead. Another new feature of the festival in recent years was the Bucktail Area High School Homecoming football game.
This was also the first year professional band judges were hired to give special parade awards.
Lisa Renee Dow of Port Allegany was crowned queen and reigned over the festivities. Her runners-up were Dawn Carol Casselberry of Lock Haven and Leslie Diana Forrey of Milton. Miss BEN, Becky Sue Bechdel, was named Miss Congeniality, Mr. Congeniality David Mccraken of Hughesville and Dawn Marie DiRocco of Montoursville Miss Photogenic.
Dr. Craig D. Willis, new president of Lock Haven State College, was the coronation speaker.
At the banquet, the committee presented the first Fruit Loop Award to committee member Susan Ransdorf for her sense of humor in trying situations and a special award to Paul Fantaskey and his wife, Sharon. Galeton High School received an award for participating in all 34 festival parades, and Citizens’ Hose Co. of South Renovo was honored as the most supportive local organization, raising $2,000 toward the festival.
1982 was the. year of all years with over 150 units participating in the 34th Festival parade. Renovo was honored with the attendance of the 4th Marine Division/Wing Band from New Orleans, La. The band entertained the community of Renovo for the entire weekend by performing at the Queen’s Banquet, Coronation and at the Bucktail Area High School on Monday after the festival weekend.
Also attending the festival weekend to entertain the children was Winnie-the-Pooh from Walt Disney.
All in all, 1982 attracted more than 35,000 tourists to this community of 4,000 inhabitants, making Festival No. 34 the largest ever.
1983 arrived, far surpassing all expectations by attracting over 40,000 tourists. Marikaye Snyder of Milton, Pa. was crowned the 35th anniversary queen. Milton held the title in 1959, 1970, 1978 and 1980. Kathy Franks of Bellefonte Area High School was named first runner-up and Miss Congeniality. Norrel Panganiban of Bishop Neumann was second runner-up and Chuck Shimpf was named Mr. Congeniality.
Paul J. Fantaskey again chaired the 1984 festival. This year entertained James H. Speice, assistant vice president, public affairs for Hammermill Paper Company as the main speaker for Sunday’s coronation. Miss Jennifer Lynn Eshelman, Miss Pennsylvania, was also present for the ceremony. Tom Darlington served as Master of Ceremonies for the coronation. Miss Shelly Edwards of St. Marys was crowned queen with Miss Michelle Smith of DuBois as first runner-up and Miss Gina Shreckengast as second runner-up. Gina also was chosen as Miss Congeniality.
1985 arrived with the expectations of the best festival ever, chaired this year by James “Butch” Knauff. Raymond H. Rathmell, retiring principal of Bucktail High School, served as Master of Ceremonies for the queens’ banquet, Sunday luncheon and the coronation ceremonies. Miss Cynthia Hunter of Muncy was crowned queen at the 37th festival coronation. Michelle Smith of DuBois and Kelly Kauffman of Milton were runners-up. Miss Jersey Shore, Brenda West, was Miss Congeniality and Jason Ramaley of Lock Haven was named Mr. Congeniality. Rachelle King of Williamsport was named Miss Photogenic.
In 1986, the festival was chaired by Les Prebble and Joe Hough. This year we were to witness a donkey basketball game and a lip-sync contest. Both drew good crowds and were good fundraisers for the committee. Larry Coploff, president of the Chamber of Commerce, was guest speaker at the banquet. Tom Darlington returned to Renovo, after a year’s absence, as a judge. Miss Beth Sockman of Bucktail was crowned Queen at Sunday’s coronation, making Renovo a four-time winner. Dianne Franks of Bellefonte was first runner-up and Noelle Converse of Williamsport was second runner-up. This year marked a “first” as Miss Bucktail also captured the Miss Photogenic and Miss Congeniality awards. Mr. Congeniality was Michael McPhearson of Bishop Neumann.
In 1987, the Festival was chaired by a husband-wife team, Alex and Pattie Rauch. Again the committee sponsored a donkey basketball game and a lip-sync contest. Both drew very good crowds and were good fundraisers. Jacque Kleckner, Miss Pennsylvania National Teenager was the guest speaker at the 1987 Queens’ Banquet. Harris Lipez, vice-president of Lipez Broadcasting, served as M.C. for the banquet. Miss Pennsylvania, Katherina Sitaras, entertained at the Coronation on Sunday afternoon. Lisa Womer of Bald Eagle Area High School was crowned Queen, Suzanne Maresco of Mansfield High School was first runner• up and Rhonda Rae Cherry of Johnsonburg Area High School was second runner-up. Rachel Faust of Montoursville was named Miss Photogenic and 2nd runner-up, Rhonda Rae Cherry was also named Miss Congeniality.
In December of 1987, the Flaming Foliage Festival committee sponsored a Christmas parade. Miss Flaming Foliage, Lisa Womer, was featured riding on a float with the Christmas Elves. Santa and Mrs. Claus were on hand to talk to the children while everyone enjoyed hot chocolate and donuts at the community park.
1988 arrived and again the Festival was chaired by Alex and Pattie Rauch. This year the committee sponsored a Jello Wrestling Contest, lip-sync comest, sidewalk sales and a carnival. The All Male Miss America Pageant was held again this year, which brought record crowds to the Flaming Foliage Follies.
This year, which marked the 40th Flaming Foliage Festival, Sherrill Rittenmeyer was the main speaker at the Queens’ Banquet. Sherrill was the first Queen of the festival, crowned in October 1949.
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Rathmell served as Parade Marshals and Mr. Rathmell was Master of Ceremonies at the Queens’ Banquet. Queen Tiadaghton, Linda L. Dougherty, was on hand for the banquet and spoke to the queen contestants.
Miss Pennsylvania, Denise Meyer, attended the Coronation ceremonies on Sunday. She crowned Miss Johnsonburg, Tracey Marie Stauffer, as the new 1988 Flaming Foliage Queen. First runner-up was Barbara Garbrick, Miss Bellefonte, who also captured the Miss Photogenic award. Miss Elk County Christian, Sarah Stager, was the second runner-up. Miss Muncy, Michelle Musser, and her escort, Roman Williams, captured the Miss and Mr. Congeniality awards.
The 1989 Flaming Foliage Festival marked the third consecutive year that the festival was chaired by the husband-wife team, Alex and Pattie Rauch. 1989 saw a second pudding wrestling competition, a donkey basketball game, a carnival, and a Funny Fashion Show.
William Leonard and Richard Carl, former chairpersons, served as parade marshals for the 41st Parade of Queens. Bucktail Area High School’s assistant principal, Fran Johnson, served as master of ceremonies for the Queens’ Banquet. Principal speaker at the banquet was Julie Brennan, Public Relations Director for International Paper Co. Dr. Stanley Wurster, principal of Bucktail Area High School, was the master of ceremonies for Sunday’s coronation.
Miss Jersey Shore, Jennifer Schubert, captured the title of 1989 Miss Flaming Foliage at the coronation held on Sunday. The new queen from Jersey Shore was not the girl that was selected to represent Jersey Shore. The original contestant got sick and the school sent Jennifer in her place. Jennifer’s words when she was selected were, “I’m not even supposed to be here.” Jennifer also captured the Miss Photogenic award. Miss Bellefonte, Amy Lynn Crissman, was chosen as the first runner-up in the contest, while Miss Coudersport, Lara Michelle Herzig, was selected as second runner-up. Brenda Grove, Miss Penns Valley, was awarded Miss Congeniality and Jamie Kemmerer of Jersey Shore was awarded Mr. Congeniality.
Joyce Stewart chaired the 1990 Flaming Foliage Festival. 1990 fund raising events included a sandwich sale, a hoagie sale, teen dances, adult dances and a returning All Male Miss America Pageant.
Lavonne Curran and Sally McCann were chosen as parade marshals for 1990. These two ladies represented St. Joseph’s High School and Renovo High School respectively at the first Flaming Foliage Festival in 1949. William Tyson, Executive Director of the Clinton County Tourist Promotion Agency served as the Master of Ceremonies for the 42nd Annual Queens Banquet. Lynn Lytle, Director of the Lock Haven University Foundation, served as the main speaker for the banquet. Love and Joy, an ensemble from Montgomery High School and directed by Ted Richardson, again joined us at the 1990 banquet and gave an outstanding performance with various song selections. Raymond Rathmell served as Master of Ceremonies at the Coronation ceremony. Jack Smyth, co-founder of the festival, was visiting in Renovo the weekend of the festival, and pleased everyone by giving a speech at the Coronation ceremonies.
Miss Smethport, Amy Kay Fitzsimmons, captured the title of 1990 Flaming Foliage Queen. First runner-up was Miss Hughesville, Jill Louise Lowry. Second runner-up was Miss Williamson, Jill Deats. Capturing the title of Miss Photogenic was Denise Kinney from Port Allegheny. The Miss Congeniality award was presented to Miss Lock Haven, Mary Miller and Scott Taylor, Miss Port Allegany’s escort, captured the Mr. Congeniality award.
In 1991, the 43rd annual festival was chaired by Margaret Riggle. A new fund raiser for 1991 was taking over the Rotary bingo for the summer months. This proved to be a profitable event. The all popular talent show and All Male Miss America were presented for the Festival Follies.
A husband-wife team from South Renovo, Larue and Charlotte Cryder were selected as the 1991 Parade Marshals for the Parade of Queens. William Tyson accepted the invitation to serve as Master of Ceremonies for the Queens’ Banquet for the second consecutive year. We were very honored to have Michael Hanna, PA State Representative, as the main speaker for the banquet. The musical group hailing from Montgomery, “Love & Joy” again awed the audience with their performance. This group is directed by Ted Richardson, a former music teacher at Renovo High School.
The Arts and Crafts Show in 1991 was the biggest· ever. One hundred thirty-seven vendors set up for Saturday and several stayed for Sunday. Each year the Arts and Crafts show grows larger. In 1992, we expect to have 150 vendors participating in this event.
Wesley Grand, Executive Vice-President of the Chamber of Commerce in Lock Haven, accepted the invitation to be the Master of Ceremonies at the Coronation ceremony. The Renovo Choir presented several musical selections at Coronation.
For the weekend climax, Jennifer Troutman, Miss Lock Haven, was crowned the 1991 Flaming Foliage Queen; Miss Milton, Linley Stover, was first runner-up and Miss Coudersport, Sheela Morey was second runner-up. Miss Coudersport, Sheela Morey, was also named Miss Photogenic. Joy Anderson, Miss Bucktail, captured the title as Miss Congeniality and Dennis Case, the escort of Miss DuBois, captured the title of Mr. Congeniality.