HOLTVILLE — Many local residents came out to kick off the start of the Carrot Festival during the Chamber of Commerce’s 66th annual banquet here Friday.
“It went really well. It was a great way to kick off the Carrot Festival events this week,” said Laura Goodsell, banquet chairwoman.
Held at the Barbara Worth Resort and Country Club, the banquet featured the crowning of this year’s Carrot Festival Court and the Citizen of the Year honors.
Holtville High senior Michael Lomax was crowned the festival’s king. Michael, who plans to join the U.S. Navy after graduation was escorted by his grandmother, Bonnie Lomax.
Following Michael, Holtville High school junior Alexis Barraza was crowned Carrot Festival queen. The daughter of Saul and Dora Barraza, Alexis enjoys outdoor activities and wants to pursue a career in the medical field.
Holtville Middle School eighth-grader Emily Allegranza was crowned the festival’s princess. Escorted by her father, Terry Allegranza. Emily plans to become a veterinarian.
Pine Elementary School first-grader McKenzie Toth was recognized as the festival’s junior princess. McKenzie was escorted by her two grandfathers, Bert Toth and David Ellis.
Following the coronation announcements, the chamber presented Holtville resident Jason Turner with the Citizen of the Year award.
“He’s really helped a lot of the kids in Holtville and he’s done a lot of work quietly behind the scenes,” Goodsell said.
The owner of Performance Mechanical Contractor in Holtville, Turner is coaching Holtville Pop Warner and has donated to various schools, chambers and community organizations throughout the city, explained Goodsell.
“Many community members suggested him as the citizen of the year for all of his community services and assistance. He was very humbled by it all,” Laura Goodsell said.
The banquet was one of many Carrot Festival events to take place throughout the week. For more information contact the chamber at 760-356-2923.
Citizen of the Year — Jason Turner
Holtville Carrot Festival King — Michael Lomax
Holtville Carrot Festival Queen — Alexis Barraza
Holtville Carrot Festival Princess — Emily Allegranza
Holtville Carrot Festival Junior Princess — McKenzie Toth
Coverage of the Carrot Festival’s Battle of the Bands can be found in Monday’s online edition
To comment on this story click here to be directed to Facebook.
