| It was in
1958, 53 years after the first Feast of Lanterns celebration was
held in Pacific Grove, the first Royal Court reigned over the
Pacific Grove Feast of Lanterns. From 1958 through 1964, the young
women who participated were part of the Miss Monterey County pageant,
and Queen Topaz also held the title of Miss Pacific Grove. Queen
Topaz 1962 went on to participate in the Miss California pageant,
won, and went on to compete in the Miss America pageant. These
pageants provided the college scholarship fund and schooled the
young women in public speaking and community service. The traditions
of the Royal Court as set forth in 1958 as part of an organization
designed to assist young women prepare for their future continues
today.
In 1987,
the Board of Directors established the Royal Court Scholarship
Fund and created a process by which the community and the Board
select the Royal Court from a group of middle- and high school
age applicants. The traditions and purpose of the Feast of Lanterns
are held near and dear to the residents of Pacific Grove: To
further and enhance the culture, history, and heritage of Pacific
Grove through civic and cultural activities including the annual
Feast of Lanterns festival.
The Board
of Directors and community members select the Royal Court each
year with seriousness of purpose, because it is the responsibility
of the Board and the Royal Court to keep whole the purpose and
traditions of the Pacific Grove Feast of Lanterns.
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