A Black Gold Tradition
The Black Gold Jubilee Harvest Queen Pageant has been a cherished part of our community for generations, celebrating the young women of the Glades while honoring the agricultural heritage that gave birth to the Jubilee.
The pageant's beginnings were rooted firmly in agriculture. The very first Harvest Queen was crowned with a crown made of vegetables - a fitting symbol of the fertile soil, abundant harvests, and farming families of the Glades. Through the years, those handmade vegetable crowns eventually gave way to the traditional pageant crowns worn by our queens today.
In the early years, the Harvest Queen Pageant attracted an impressive 30 to 50 contestants. Judges included prominent community figures and special guests, including Mazie Murphy Kline, Miami Dolphins players, and Jaycee dignitaries.
The pageant took a hiatus from 1973 through 1983, but the tradition was not forgotten. In 1984, through the efforts of Dr. Fliehs, the Lions Club, and pageant coordinator Cathy Lee, the Harvest Queen Pageant returned. Allison Shirley was crowned Harvest Queen that year, beginning a new chapter in the pageant's history.
Generations of Dedication
Behind every queen crowned on stage are the volunteers and community members who have worked to keep the tradition alive.
Cathy Lee provided leadership to the pageant for many years, joined in those efforts by Olga Hayes, Sherry Barnes, and Becky White. In 2010, Deena Lee took the reins, continuing the tradition with Cathy remaining involved behind the scenes.
The pageant's memorable stage designs have also become part of its tradition, thanks to the creativity and talent of Dorinda Shutts, whose work helped transform the stage for contestants and audiences year after year.
More Than a Crown
Throughout its history, the Harvest Queen Pageant has offered young women an opportunity to develop confidence, strengthen interview and communication skills, and learn to present themselves with poise. Former contestants have carried those experiences well beyond the Black Gold Jubilee stage, including Kayla Collier, who went on to be crowned Miss Teen Florida USA.
Today, the Harvest Queen, Junior Harvest Queen, and Little Mr. & Miss Black Gold pageants continue that tradition for a new generation.
The crowns may have changed through the years, but the tradition behind them remains - celebrating our youth, our agricultural heritage, and the community we proudly call home.
