Royal court for Dogwood Festival selected; winners will ride in parade on May 3

QUINCY — Arts Quincy announced its selections Thursday for the royal court of Dogwood Festival weekend.

The four winners were:

• Little King: Dean Spoonmore, son of Lizzy and Quentin Spoonmore
• Little Queen: Samaira Joshi, daughter of Pankaj and Megha Joshi   
• Little Prince: Jimmy Sparks, son of Carolyn and Ryan Sparks
• Little Princess: Presleigh Johnson, daughter of Abigail Johnson

Serving as royal court escorts will be:

• Brody Haughey, son of Justin and Alexis Haughey
• Emersyn Tonnies, daughter of Tammy and Shelby Tonnies

Joining the royal court and walking in the parade are:

• Catarina Arnold, daughter of Alice and Aaron Arnold
• Tanmayi and Tarini Vadlamannati, daughters of Raghu P. Vadlamannati and Deepthi Cheemalamarri
• Cohen Reed, son of Abigail Johnson
• Rosie Sparks, daughter of Carolyn and Ryan Sparks

The crowned winners will ride in the Dogwood Parade on Saturday, May 3, in vehicles provided by Gem City Ford. The royal court will walk in front, holding the Arts Quincy banner.

This year’s contest invited children ages 4–10 to imagine the future of Adams County in a submitted video.

“We’re thrilled to recognize these amazing kids and celebrate their dreams for the future of Adams County,” Laura Sievert Hesseltine, executive director of Arts Quincy, said in a press release. “A common theme in their videos was a strong sense of togetherness. Their vision centered on kindness, connection and neighbors supporting one another. We think that’s a beautiful reflection of Quincy’s spirit.”

For more information, contact Arts Quincy at marketing@artsquincy.org or call 217-222-3432.