It is that time of year again. The time in which one of the most anticipated events that takes place in this area, particularly the Endless Mountains area, happens. It celebrates the beauty of the autumn canopy of leaves that appear throughout the region and locally and throughout the rest of the state as well — the 74th Flaming Foliage Festival will be held this weekend, Friday, October 13, Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15.
Twenty-Five senior girls from schools from across central Pennsylvania will compete for the 74th Pennsylvania State Flaming Foliage Queen. They and their escorts will enjoy luncheons, a banquet, the Queens’ Ball, and Coronation throughout the weekend.
Girls are judged on their poise, personality, and ability to speak to an audience, along with questions asked at the luncheons, coronation, and interviews with the judges.
More than 150 craft and food vendors will be on hand. The craft and vendor show is held all three days at the Flaming Foliage Lot located at 12th and Huron Avenue in Renovo. There will be many food concessions as well.
The parade of Queens begins Saturday at 1:45 p.m. and is the biggest event of the weekend.
The process of entering as a Flaming Foliage Queen begins when letters are mailed out to high schools across central Pennsylvania inviting a representative to the Festival each year. Other schools interested are always welcome to participate. A queen is chosen by her character, poise, and ability to communicate with others.
The winner receives a $500 scholarship.
The first runner-up receives a $300 scholarship.
The second runner-up receives a $200 scholarship.
A Miss Photogenic, Miss Congeniality, and Mr. Congeniality are also chosen.
The coronation begins at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday at Bucktail Area High School, where the public is invited for a $3 cover charge.
The Flaming Foliage Festival started humbly enough in 1949 by the Bucktail Par Association as a vehicle to promote tourism in Lock Haven, Renovo, Emporium, and other nearby areas. And to promote hospitality spots along the scenic and beautiful Bucktail Trail.
The Queen competition and talent show, and accompanying parade have been the central features of the Festival. Each year, interest and attendance have grown at the Festival.
Pennsylvania Governor James Duff crowned the first Flaming Foliage Queen in 1949.
The co-chairpersons for this year’s Festival are Pattie Rauch and David Watt.
If you are looking for a great way to enjoy the beauty and splendor of Fall and also have fun and enjoy good food and entertainment, then the Flaming Foliage in Renovo is the place for you this weekend.
Below are the biographies of the Queens representing our area:
Miss Bucktail – Dinel Annmarie Fleisher
Representing Bucktail Area High School is Dinel Annmarie Fleisher She is the daughter of Brandon and Tiffany Fleisher of Renovo and has a brother, Colten. Dinel is a member of the National Honor Society, Environmental Club, Varsity Club, Student Council and is a Varsity Cheerleader. She enjoys reading books, shopping, spending time with family and friends and volunteering at the Renovo Fire Department. Dinel plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh majoring in nursing with the ambition to become a nurse practitioner. Jeremy Zuback will be her escort.
Miss Canton – Natalie Elaina Kapichok
Representing Canton High School is Natalie Elaina Kapchok. She is the daughter of Clint and Andrea Kapchok and she has one brother, Kyle. Natalie is a member of the National Honor Society, Science Club, Track & Field Team and is Class President. She also enjoys reading, learning, and spending time with loved ones. Natalie plans to pursue a degree in a natural science program. Her Escort is Cohen Landis.
Miss Central Mountain – Maia Rae Crowell
Representing Central Mountain High School is Maia Rae Crowell. She is the daughter of Bill and Michelle Crowell. Maia is a member of the National Honor Society, Drama club, Key Club, Freshman Tutoring, CMHS Media Team, Class Treasurer and is a member of the Swim team and Track & Field team. She also enjoys reading, writing poetry, going on drives with friends and playing her ukulele. She plans to further her education by attending college for Telecommunications and media industries. Colin Simander will be her escort.
Miss Jersey Shore – Rahel Birhane Hartman
Representing Jersey Shore Area High School is Rahel Birhane Hartman. She is the daughter of Matthew and Bethany Hartman, and has three siblings. Rahel is a member of the Youth Development Task Force, Treasurer for Student Council and Key Club, Bible Club, Pep Club, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society and is Vice President of her class. She also plays tennis and is a member of the track and field team. She also enjoys hanging out with friends and family, art and fun activities. Rahel plans to become an occupational therapy assistant. Preston Beatty will be her escort.
Miss Milton – Lydia Elizabeth Crawford
Representing Milton Area High School is Lydia Elizabeth Crawford. She is the daughter of Bob and Megan Crawford. She has an older brother, Kyler. Lydia is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Athletic leadership, a Class officer, a member of Track and Field and the Tennis Team. Lydia also enjoys hanging out with friends, painting, and playing sports. She plans to attend Penn State University and major in nursing. Both Hunter Zettlemoyer and Ryan Bickhart will share responsibilities of being her escort.
Miss Montgomery – Haylie Lynn Heverly
Representing Montgomery Area High School is Haylie Lynn Heverly. She is the daughter of Robert Heverly and Jennifer Richards, and she has four siblings. Haylie is a member of the National Honor Society, Varsity Cheerleading, Basketball, Track & Field Soccer and Leo Club. She also enjoys sports, running and coloring. Haylie plans to attend college to pursue a career in nursing. Her escort is Dylan Hill of Montgomery.
Miss Montoursville – Marissa Taylor Hartland
Representing Montoursville Area High School is Marissa Taylor Hartland. She is the daughter of Mark and Tammie Hartland, and has a sister, Alexis. Marissa is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Government, National English Honor Society, Art and Science Honor Societies, Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club, Rho Kappa, Yearbook, Prom and Homecoming Committees and also plays soccer and softball. She enjoys reading, pottery and organizing. After graduation Melissa plans to attend college to become a Physician Assistant. Colt Christ will be her escort.
Miss Muncy – Sophia Louise Moyer
Representing Muncy Jr./Sr. High School is Sophia Louise Moyer. She is the daughter of Scott and Stacey Moyer. She has a brother, Bodie. Sophia is a member of the National Honor Society, SADD Club, Student Council, Art Club, Youth Development Task Force and plays Soccer and Track. She also enjoys drawing, painting, crocheting, reading and sewing. Sophia plans to attend the Nursing School Associates Program. Patrick Zalonis will be her Escort for the weekend.
Miss North Penn-Liberty – Lacey Lu Marie Mahosky
Representing North Penn-Liberty High School is Lacey Lu Marie Mahosky. She is the daughter of Tom and Theresa Mahosky, and has five brothers. Lacey is a member of the National Honor Society, Key club, Student Council, Student Empowerment, Unified Club, FBLA, Minithon and Youth Leaders of Tomorrow. She also enjoys hunting, fishing, the piano, puzzles, card games and painting. Lacey plans to attend Penn State University majoring in Childhood Education. Ryland Sakers of Union Center will be her escort.
Miss North Penn-Mansfield – Payton Joelie Chapel
Representing North Penn-Mansfield High School is Payton Joelie Chapel. She is the daughter of Jason and Tanya Chapel, and has a younger brother, Parker. Payton is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Seniors 2 Seniors, Steam Team, Big Buddy and does after school tutoring for elementary students. She is also a member of the varsity softball and volleyball teams. She also enjoys playing sports, hanging out with friends, traveling and reading. After graduation Payton plans to attend a four-year college to major in nursing. Alex Davis will be her escort.
Miss Saint John Neumann Regional Academy – Elizabeth Marie Weller
Representing St. John Neumann Regional Academy is Elizabeth Marie Weller. She is the daughter of Kevin and Julia Weller, and she has two siblings. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Youth Development Task Force, Student Council, National Art Honor Society, Key Club and is a member of the softball, basketball and tennis team. She also enjoys traveling, softball, drawing, gardening and spending time with friends. Elizabeth is planning to become a sonographer. Dominic McGee of Auburn will be her escort.
Miss South Williamsport – Kaydence Marie Rogers
Representing the South Williamsport High School is Kaydence Marie Rogers. She is the daughter of Travis and Acacia Rogers, and she has three siblings. Kaydence is a member of Theatre, Choir, Select Choir, Mini Thon Club, Key Club, Multimedia Journalism and ACADEC. She also enjoys singing, walking, hiking, makeup, reading, playing bass, snowboarding, and thrifting. After graduation Kaydence is planning on majoring in business management and fine arts. Her escort is Nicole Canlas.
Miss Sugar Valley Rural Charter School – Lilly Anne Mundrick
Representing the Sugar Valley Rural Charter School is Lilly Anne Mundrick. She is the daughter of Patsy Wool and Josh Lovell, and she has seven siblings. Lilly is a member of the FFA, is a Class Officer, Envirothon and plays Softball. She also enjoys art, working, hiking, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. After graduation Lilly is planning to get a cosmetology license and have a career in art. Her escort is Malachi Gottshall of Lock Haven.
Miss Warrior Run – Aurora Mae Cieslukowski
Representing Warrior Run Area High School is Aurora Mae Cieslukowski. She is the daughter of Brian and Carrie Cieslukowski, and she has seven siblings. Aurora is a member of the National Honor Society, Technology Students Association, Musical Theatre, Track & Field team, Band and Choir. She also enjoys gymnastics, Club Pole vaulting, singing, Civil Air Patrol, organizing church events and spending time with family and friends. Aurora plans to receive an appointment to a service academy to train and become a military aviator. She also wants to compete in UST&F National Competition and Olympic Trials. Her escort is Quinn Drapper of Hughesville.
Miss Williamsport – Natalia Tinell Mills
Representing Williamsport Area High School is Natalia Tinell Mills. She is the daughter of Nikki Smeal of Williamsport, and she has a twin sister and eight more siblings. Natalia is a member of the Hope Squad, Yearbook Club, Track & Field, Sideline Cheer and Competitive Cheer. She also enjoys reading, running, shopping, and spending time with family and friends. Natalia plans to receive attend college to become a Travel Nurse. Her escort is Deacon Brown of Williamsport.
