NEW QUEEN SCHEHERAZADE CROWNED
New court to reign as ambassadors of Fair

Names, left to right:
Princess Dunyazade: Alysha Woodson
Queen Scheherazade: Jordana Totman
Princess Jasmine: Francesca Parker

Indio, CA – On Saturday evening, November 19, 2011, the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival held the Queen Scheherazade Scholarship Pageant at the Fairgrounds in Indio.   The Fullenwider Auditorium was transformed into a scene out of the 1001 Arabian Nights, as three young women were chosen to represent the Fair as the Queen and her Court. 

Thirteen young ladies competed for their chance to be crowned queen; scholarship amounts range from $3,000 to $3,500.  The ladies were previously interviewed by judges in an elimination round in October and during the Pageant gave a speech in business attire, answered questions in evening gowns and in traditional Arabian costumes. The 2011 court winners are Jordana Totman for Queen Scheherazade, Alysha Woodson for Princess Dunyazade, and Francesca Parker for Princess Jasmine.

Jordana is a senior at Palm Desert High School where she’s lettered Varsity on the Equestrian Team. She aspires to open her own veterinary hospital for large animals after college. Alysha is currently in her third year at Mount San Antonio College.  She plans to transfer to Colorado State University and eventually become a veterinarian.  Francesca is a senior at Indio High School where she is actively involved in the Drama and Interact club.  She plans on going to college to pursue a career in clinical psychology.

The new Queen and her Court will reign as ambassadors for the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival, their duties will include promoting the Fair at various City Council meetings, parades and other special appearances leading up to the Fair, February 17-26, 2012. For more information about the Fair, call 1-800-811-FAIR.