A process that began almost five months ago will culminate in the Mineola Sesquicentennial Coronation Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the Mineola Civic Center. Admission is free.

The Royalty Court Contest concluded with nine children and young people actively competing for the honors.

The contest began in December with contestants selling Mineola sesquicentennial merchandise. They were also responsible for turning in their own orders every Thursday afternoon at City Hall to the Royalty Court Committee, as well as picking up merchandise and delivering it to their customers.

Competition was categorized corresponding to all four Mineola school campuses, primary, elementary, middle and high schools, for boys and girls. Seven girls and two boys competed. 

Additionally, Mr. and Ms. Sesquicentennial will be named at the conclusion of the coronation.

In addition to residency in the Mineola School District, nominees must be over 60 years old and have contributed to Mineola and the community.

All contestants were asked to be willing to participate in celebrations throughout the year. 

Wood County Judge Kevin White will serve as master of ceremonies, and Joe Williams of Blue Mudbone will provide music. Refreshments will be served, and photographs will be taken of the royalty court and a video made. 

In the youngsters’ competition, the ones who sold the most merchandise will be crowned by former Miss Main Streets Abby Haston Hooton and Megan Galyean Smith. Titles to be awarded are Little Mister and Little Miss Choo Choo Mineola, primary; Little Miss Iron Horse Mineola, elementary; Miss Iron Horse Mineola, middle school, and Miss Main Street Mineola, high school.

The contestants are Eli Calixto, Kyler Moore, Logan Clower, Galilea Gonzales and Tatum Hubbard, primary; Aspyn Brown and Greenly Herrington, elementary; Lillian Moreland, middle school and Valerie Moreland, high school. The competition was open to residents of the Mineola School District, whether public, private or home-schooled. 

Money raised will go toward sesquicentennial activities throughout the year. 

Numerous hours of volunteerism and contributions for a variety of Mineola and community organizations are represented by the people nominated for Mr. and Ms. Sesquicentennial. 

They will be selected by an objective panel of non-Mineola residents.