PORT TOWNSEND — The two candidates vying for 2009 Rhododendron Festival queen introduced themselves briefly to business leaders on Monday.
Cecily Ellis, 16, of Quilcene and Kayla Reynolds, 17, of Port Townsend appeared at the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce luncheon and shared their favorite hobbies.
“I thought about what my favorite hobbies were . . . and I love spending time with my family,” Reynolds said.
“We are such a tight-knit family ,and I am so glad I have them.”
Reynolds told stories of her family at the holidays and watching her father play the Nintendo Wii video game.
“He’s a big guy,” she said, “and he doesn’t understand you just have to use your wrist with the controller and not your whole body.”
Ellis said her favorite hobby was acting — a hobby she hopes to turn into a career one day.
“Acting has always been a part of my life,” she said.
“After I graduate, my plan is to go to L.A. and try to be an actress for my career.”
Only two candidates
One of the two girls will be chosen at a coronation ceremony on March 7 at 5 p.m. at Chimacum High School.
Reynolds, the daughter of Jim and Robin Reynolds, is a junior at Port Townsend High School.
A Port Townsend resident since she was 6 months old, she is president of both the junior class and the Future Business Leaders of America.
Ellis, the daughter of John and Sheri Ellis, has lived in Quilcene since 2003.
A Running Start student who commutes to Olympic Community College, she is majoring in drama and has already appeared in several local productions.
The Rhododendron Festival officially begins on May 11 and continue through May 17.
Stacy Richards, festival president, said she was hoping to get more local people involved this year.
“With the [Hood Canal] bridge closure, we’re looking for more people to take part in the parade,” Richards said.
The floating bridge is closed for repairs for six weeks starting May 1 — 11 days before the Rhody Festival starts.
For more information, contact Richards at richnwood@msn.com.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com
