Queen/Court Acknowledgement of Rules

Hempstead Commerce & Civic Association – Annual Watermelon Festival

Royalty Court Rules & Acknowledgement

1. Eligibility Requirements

Contestants must be females by birth, unmarried with no children.
Contestants must be a resident of Hempstead (77445 ZIP Code).
For the 2026–2027 school year, contestants must meet the following grade levels:
- Queen Candidates: entering grades 11–12
- Princess Candidates: entering grades 8–10
- Duchess Candidates: entering grades 5–7
- Little Miss Candidates: entering 1st–4th grade
All contestants must maintain a “C” average or higher for the most recent school semester (proof required).
Past Queens are not eligible to participate again.
- However, contestants who previously ran for Queen but did not win may run again in future years, as long as they continue to meet eligibility requirements.
- Former Princesses, Duchesses, and Little Miss winners may compete when they advance to the next age category.
Each contestant must submit a photo before the judging luncheon.
Zero Tolerance for Bullying: Any contestant or parent found bullying another contestant will be immediately disqualified and asked to leave.

2. Contestant Responsibilities

Each contestant must:
- Sell raffle tickets as part of the judging process.
- Attend all required events, including:
  - Queen’s Luncheon for judging
  - Parade rehearsal
  - Watermelon Festival parade and opening ceremonies
- Provide an escort for the coronation ceremony. Escorts should dress appropriately (no loud prints or distracting designs).
- Be physically capable of getting on and off the parade float with minimal or no assistance.
- Demonstrate clear and effective communication with judges in English.

Dress Code:

For judging luncheon and coronation: sundresses, rompers, pant suits, slacks, or etc. (any color except white).
No formal or evening gowns — formal attire is reserved for the current Queen’s Court.
For rehearsals: no specific dress code.
No facial piercings, visible tattoos, or unnatural hair colors (such as blue, green, pink, burgundy, etc.) are allowed at any present or future official event, rehearsal, or judging.

Parade Entry:

Each contestant must enter the Watermelon Festival Parade with a decorated float, truck, car, or tractor of their choice.
Winners will ride on the Royalty Float the following year and represent Hempstead in additional parades throughout their reign.

3. Ticket Sales

Each contestant will receive 700 tickets after submitting their completed application and signed acknowledgment form.
Additional tickets can be checked out at Prosperity Bank (Hempstead), Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (see Kerri).
- All previously issued tickets and money must be turned in before receiving more.
Contestants become eligible once they have turned in their first 700 sold tickets by the stated deadline (see Important Dates).
All money, ticket stubs, and unsold tickets must be turned in to Prosperity Bank.
- Ticket stubs must be completed and staples removed.
- Contestants are financially responsible for any lost or unreturned tickets.
See the Judging Breakdown section for how ticket sales affect scoring.

4. Sponsorships

Contestants may have sponsors who wish to support them.
The minimum sponsorship amount is $150.00.
Sponsorship forms and payments must be turned in to Prosperity Bank by the stated deadline.
Sponsorship contributions are included in the overall judging score (see Judging Breakdown).

5. Court Selection Process

Contestants are judged on appearance, poise, and personality during an interview with a panel of judges.
This is not a beauty pageant. Judges consider:
- Your completed application
- Personal interview
- Ticket sales and sponsorship totals
Contestants’ social media presence (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.) may be reviewed to ensure they represent Hempstead in a positive and respectful manner.

6. Judging Breakdown – (Judging decisions are final.)

Category	Criteria	Maximum Points
Ticket Sales	5,500+ (40 pts) / 3,500–5,499 (35 pts) / 2,000–3,499 (30 pts) / 700–1,999 (25 pts)	40
Judging (Interview, Poise, Personality)	Highest score (50 pts), 2nd (48), 3rd (46), etc.	50
Sponsorships	Highest total (10 pts), 2nd (8), 3rd (6), etc.	10

7. Royalty Court Responsibilities

The newly crowned court is required to attend:
- Watermelon Auction
- Games, Car Show, and BBQ Cook-off Awards Ceremony
- Saturday night dance (Queen draws raffle winners during intermission)
Members must remain unmarried, child-free, and full-time students throughout their reign.
- Failure to do so will result in relinquishment of title and scholarship transfer to the runner-up.
Dress & Appearance:
- No facial piercings, visible tattoos, or unnatural hair colors at any time.
- Court members must purchase a formal, long white ballgown immediately following crowning (subject to Royalty Chairman approval).
- Outfits must coordinate for events; additional matching shirts or dresses may be required.
The Queen and her court must attend 90% of all scheduled events unless excused by the Royalty Chairman.
- Three or more unexcused absences may result in a runner-up assuming duties.
If the Queen cannot fulfill her duties, the first runner-up will assume the title and receive the scholarship.
Reigning royalty must:
- Represent the Watermelon Festival and HCCA at community events and parades.
- While serving as reigning royalty, if you’d like to participate in an activity that isn’t part of the Royalty Court’s official duties, please get permission from the Royalty Chairman before wearing your crown and sash. This includes any public appearance where you plan to wear them. We just want to make sure everything is done properly and that you continue to represent the program with pride and respect.
- Attend the following year’s festival to present crowns and sashes to the new court.

8. Awards

Top Ticket Seller: Receives 10% of their total ticket sales.
Queen: Receives a $2,000 scholarship from HCCA ($1,000 per semester).
- Must submit a college schedule each semester to claim funds.
- Scholarship must be claimed within 2 years of graduation.
All winners receive a crown, sash, flowers, and gifts.
All eligible contestants receive a participation gift.

9. Raffle Prizes

1st Place: Cash Prize
2nd Place: Cash Prize
3rd Place: Cash Prize

10. Notes & Important Dates for 2026

June 1, 2026: Initial 700 tickets due to Prosperity Bank.
Wednesday, July 8: Sponsorship forms and payments due by 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 11: Judging at 3:30 p.m. — St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church
Wednesday, July 15: Final ticket sales due to Prosperity Bank by 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 16: Rehearsal at the Gazebo, 6:00–6:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 18: Parade begins at 9:15 a.m.; ceremonies immediately following.
Every eligible contestant will receive a small prize — no one leaves empty-handed!

If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Carter – msmacarter917@gmail.com and Tassidy Contreras – tassidy.contreras16@gmail.com.

Royalty Chairmen

Royalty Court Director: Melissa Carter

Royalty Court Assistant Director: Tassidy Contreras

Royalty Court Acknowledgment of Conduct

As a member of the Hempstead Watermelon Festival Royalty Court, you are held to a higher standard of conduct. Each member represents not only the Festival but also the City of Hempstead and its community. You are expected to conduct yourself with respect, integrity, and kindness at all times both in public and online. Actions or behavior that are deemed inappropriate, disrespectful, or that reflect poorly on the Festival or the City of Hempstead may result in disciplinary action, including being asked to step down from your title or court position. By signing below, you acknowledge that you understand and agree to uphold these expectations throughout your reign.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RULES AND REQUIREMENTS IN THE 2026 HEMPSTEAD WATERMELON FESTIVAL ROYALTY COURT.

I have received a copy of the rules and requirements to participate in the upcoming 2026 Hempstead Watermelon Festival Royalty Court.

I have read and I understand each & every rule and what is required.

I declare that I will comply with the contestant and court’s responsibilities.

Contestant: _________________________________________________________

Parent: __________________________________________________________

Date: __________________________________________________________