Pageant queens add so much to any event. Charming personalities and smiling faces of pageant queens could be seen everywhere during the Treasure Mountain Festival, from the beard contest to breakfast and nearly every competition in between.
That all said, they put their best foot forward while serving in the Heritage Tea Room at the community building.
They set up in the conference room next to the main hall, which was bedecked in patriotic and other styles of quilts lovingly crafted by the Sew and Sews. Old-fashioned tablecloths added to the nostalgia of old-time tea get-togethers. A hat rack at the entrance held a number of period head pieces for anyone who wanted to add a little flair to their experience. One table had several girls all showing off their fancy hats and frilly boas. Dad even got into the fun and perched a hat on his own head.
Shania Shriver, Curvy Miss West Virginia, served as queen of the queens. She said, “We wanted to bring in the old experience and bring some of the heritage of the community to the heart of the community.” The many who enjoyed the experience got to “sit around with good company.”
That good company ranged from parents and grandparents bringing young people for perhaps their first time in a formal tea setting. One could also see old friends enjoying the treats, sharing stories and planning the rest of their day.
Attendees could order from a selection of different teas. One of the queens would come and efficiently take the order.
On their return, they brought a little pot of hot water, a cup, and tea. Next came a three-tiered rack of finger sandwiches, cookies, scones, and other tasty savory and dessert treats. Finger sandwiches included ham salad, egg salad, and also an open-faced pesto option.
“All proceeds go into the festival and the pageant,” shared Shriver.
Queens came from the entire region. They included representatives from the Roadkill Festival in Marlinton, Poultry Week in Hardy County, and also Franklin’s Trout Fest. They ran the entire operation on their own under the tutelage of Shriver.
The tea room has been a tradition for many years at the Treasure Mountain Festival. It lapsed briefly during the pandemic, but the number of those who came to enjoy tea time shows that it remains a popular attraction.
