Queen and Royal Court Rule County Fair
While fair goers are enjoying all the attractions and the food, they also hope to see one of the fair’s oldest Arabian traditions — Queen Scheherazade and her princesses.
In the Queen’s Pavilion at the Riverside County Fairgrounds, you can find photos of every festival queen and her court — from this year, dating all the way back to 1947.
Many fair goers were looking to catch a snapshot of their own of this year’s Queen Scheherazade.
“We come to see the queens every year and I bring my daughters and family now,” said Susan Bandrup, of Indio.
This year’s Queen Scheherazade is Jordana Totman, of Palm Desert, Princess Jasmine, Francesa Parker, of Indio, and Princess Dunyazade, Alysha Woodson, of Riverside.
“It’s a totally different experience, from wanting to take a picture with the queen, to being the queen…kids running up to take pictures with me,” said Totman.
In November, they competed in a scholarship pageant against young women throughout the county, 17-22 years old. The queen received $3,500 and the princesses earned $3,000 for college. Like most festival goers, you can catch the royal heinesses enjoying the rides, entertainment, and their favorite part, the food.
“Everything from gelato, funnel cakes, pizza and everything!” said Totman.
“I didn’t realize realize there was so much to do at the fair, now i get to do it all,” said Parker.
Many festival goers say the “Arabian Nights” theme, with Queen Scheherazade and camel rides, is what keeps them coming back each year. Some folks even caught a ride with the beautiful royal court.
“We just happened to be at the right place at the right time. They asked if the girls wanted to ride the camels with them.”
Queen Scheherade and her court represent the fair by promoting around the valley and introducing events every day during the 10 days.
“It’s a long-standing tradition so it was really neat we got to see them,” said
The queen and her court will take to the streets of Indio to appear in the annual President’s Day parade at 9:30 a.m. It starts at Miles Avenue and Deglet Noor and will end at the fairgrounds.
