The Renovo area and FFF committee celebrated the milestone event following perfect weather and a large parade that offered plenty of nostalgia throughout the weekend.

All surviving past FFF Queens were invited back with two dozen making the trip to Renovo to take part in the parade on Sunday.

It was perhaps the nine that stayed for and attended coronation on Sunday where the Renovo area received the highest of praises from several women who consider Renovo their second home in a town filled with friends.

Shelly Edwards Watson represented St. Mary’s in 1984 and has returned for the past 22 events as a festival judge.

Pictured, from left, are local escorts Jersey Shore’s Aidyn Evans, Sugar Valley’s Bryer Martin, Bellefonte’s Eli Rushton, Bucktail’s Evan Hillyer, Bald Eagle Area’s Brayden Dubbs and Central Mountain’s Derek Shope. KEVIN RAUCH/FOR THE EXPRESS

Watson was almost at a loss for words when she tried to describe the feelings that she experienced riding in the parade again, 30 years after her first trip through Renovo.

“Three different times yesterday (while riding in the parade) people yelled to me ‘thank you for coming back,'” Watson said, shaking her head in disbelief of the level of hospitality that she has received. “The way that we have been made to feel welcomed by this community, and the way that the committee has been carrying on this tradition for 75 years is nothing short of remarkable.”

On Sunday, each contestant was asked as they were introduced on stage to name a favorite childhood memory.

Although that question was not presented to the former queens, 1988 FFF Queen, and the former Miss Johnsonburg, Tracey Stauffer Myers spoke to this year’s contestants on that topic.

“I sat out there listening to your answers, and obviously all of you have such great memories to look back on. But I’ll tell you what, years from now when you’re older and looking back on your childhood, this weekend and Renovo will be near the top of your list. I have no doubt,” Stauffer Myers said to this year’s participants.

KEVIN RAUCH/FOR THE EXPRESS Pictured are the 2024 Flaming Foliage Festival Queen, Isabel Schoonover and her court, from left, Sugar Valley Rural Charter School escort Bryer Martin, Alex Rauch Memorial Award; Miss Bald Eagle Area Gabrielle Perry, 2nd Runner up; Miss Bellefonte Erin Ashe, 1st Runner Up; Miss Canton, Schoonover, who also won Miss Congeniality; Miss Williamsport Dreeonna Mandville, Miss Photogenic; Warrior Run escort Dohnavyn Warren, Mr. Congeniality; and Miss South Williamsport Sidney Ertel, Judges Memorial Award.

KEVIN RAUCH/FOR THE EXPRESS Kids eagerly grab candy during the annual parade.

At right, pictured, from left, are local escorts Jersey Shore’s Aidyn Evans, The Downbeat Percussion Band performs during the parade. KEVIN RAUCH/FOR THE EXPRESS

The Mummers are pictured. KEVIN RAUCH/FOR THE EXPRESS