The Grape & Festival began in 1933 as a celebration of the grape harvest in St. James. As a part of the tradition, a queen was selected to reign over the events of the festival.
Since the celebration was so closely linked to the grape harvest and most grape growers were Italian, the queens were traditionally chosen from Italian families residing in the Rosati area.
Rose Scgwindt was the first queen of the harvest in 1933.
The winner of the pageant is crowned Miss St. James and will reign over the community activities as a representative of the St. James Chamber of Commerce for one year.
This year we will be traveling to the “Shady Rest Hotel” at Petticoat Junction. Everyone will be there including Kate and Uncle Joe. This year’s pageant will be a memorable one for each of the candidates and the businesses serving as sponsors, as well as their friends and family who have supported them in achieving their dreams. The pageant will take place at the St. James Middle School , #1 Tiger Drive on Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 8 p.m. Admission will be $5 or a season pass.
Candidates this year include: Melissa Daniel, sponsored by Walmart D.C. #6069; Rachel Fetters, sponsored by Studio K – Karen Davis; Megan Lohden, sponsored by Shearmasters - Jennifer Grotha; Kolbie Satterfield, sponsored by Country Bob’s Café; and Chase Brookshire, sponsored by Razor’s Edge – Brittnay Kemnitzer.
Kayla Klossner, daughter of Kevin and Crissy Klossner, was selected Miss St . James at the 76th Annual Grape and Fall Festival in 2009. Kayla now takes her place among those young ladies who have carried on the Grape & Fall Festival Queen tradition since 1933.
