Royal Lady’s new parade float makes sweet debut

LEAVENWORTH – The new theme for the Royal Lady’s float, which will represent Leavenworth at 11 Pacific Northwest festivals this year, was unveiled on April 23.

This year, the float’s theme is “Treat Yourself to Leavenworth,” and is covered with gumdrops, lollipops, and a gingerbread man skating on a taffy river. The “pièce de résistance” is a six-foot-tall double scoop ice cream cone. The large float is accompanied by a smaller float, which resembles an old-fashioned classic car with the same sweet treat theme. The smaller float will be utilized for festivals that are further away.

Each year, the annually appointed Royal Lady of the Autumn Leaves travels to festivals and parades across the PNW, representing Leavenworth’s spirit throughout Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. To close out the festival season, Leavenworth will host each of these locations during its very own Autumn Leaf Festival in September.

The float took approximately two months to build, and was led by Myndi Graham and Scott and Linda Bradshaw. The Bradshaws will accompany this year’s Royal Lady Sandy Houston on her six-month-long festivities.

“We wanted to be more whimsical this year, and just have fun with the float,” said former Royal Lady Linda Bradshaw.

The unveiling was the first time Houston had the opportunity to see the float. The moment was celebrated with the inaugural chicken dance, with adults and children joining in.

“[The unveiling] was so much fun, because she is so excited to be the Royal Lady,” said Bradshaw.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media