Levi Coffin Days selects its royalty

Following their crowning on Sept. 13, members of the Levi Coffin Royal Court made their first public appearance at the Levi Coffin Days Festival. In addition to being featured in Saturday’s parade, they made cameos at various events throughout the weekend. 

Three won their individual divisions during a ceremony held at The Barn at Helm. Lynnlee Harris was named Little Miss (grades second to fifth), with Kaleila Baker and Brinleigh Harrison earning first and second runners-up, respectively. Gabby Cox won the Princess title (grades sixth to eighth) with McKinleigh Campbell coming in second. Haedyn Baker earned the Queen title (grades nine to 12) with Baylee White and Brylei Hatfield as first and second runners-up. Kinley Maurer, Lydia Milholland, Emberlyn Seal, Ellie Milholland and Brayla Seal rounded out the remaining court. 

Since its inception in 1986, pageant contestants have been judged solely on the amount of money raised. Participants originally collected donations through penny votes from local businesses. After a nine-year hiatus, pageant coordinator Shawntel Baker revived it as an online fundraiser, allowing as many people to participate as possible. The project will support Fountain City council’s parks improvement project in partnership with Forward Wayne County.

“I thought three thousand would be amazing,” Baker said in regards to money raised. She was shocked to see them reach $9,700. Along with local sponsorships, a total of $10,000 was collected, which will double to $20,000 through a state match.

In addition to the new class, 10 previous court members participated in the event. Baker said one past winner never got her chance to appear in the parade. She and her mother were excited to have the experience this year. 

Royal Court members will reign for a year and have specific duties to fulfill. Apart from the Levi Coffin Days, Baker said the court will participate in seasonal events such as Fountain City Forward’s Christmas parade and the Lions Club’s Trunk or Treat and Easter Egg Hunt. She’s also planning ahead to have them appear at larger Wayne County events.