Applications are now begin accepted for a Sesquicentennial King and Queen, who will be crowned as part of the Parkesburg Sesquicentennial Celebration set for Friday to Sunday, May 20 to 22. The contest is open to Parkesburg youths between the ages of 16 and 19.

Application forms may be picked up at the Parkesburg Borough Hall, 315 W. First Ave., Building 1, Parkesburg, or at the Parkesburg Library, 105 West St., Parkesburg. Applications may also be downloaded at https://parkesburgsesquice.wixsite.com/event by clicking on "King/Queen & Court" and then "Click to Download Application." The completed application, along with a photo, must be submitted no later than Saturday, April 30.

Sharon Wilde Reinhart, who was crowned Parkesburg Centennial Queen in 1972, will crown the new king and queen and their court at 5 p.m. on May 20 during the opening night of the festivities on Main Street.

"We have a crown for (the king and queen) and a sash. (Applicants) who are not crowned king and queen will be in the court," explained Cathleen Wilde Christ, who is Reinhart's cousin and a member of the Sesquicentennial Planning Committee. "We also have a sash for Sharon that says 'Centennial Queen.' She is going to bring her crown (and) will wear a Victorian gown. We're encouraging the kids to dress in period garb, but it's not mandatory."

Christ emphasized that the event is not a beauty contest, Rather, judging will be based on how the youths complete specific sections of the application, which will ask them to describe their community service or volunteer and leadership experiences, as well as what makes them proud to be a resident of Parkesburg.

"We are more concerned with (how they show) kindness and the value they give to the community," said Christ, adding, "Anyone with a Parkesburg mailing address (is eligible). They do not have to (live) inside the borough."

In addition to the crowning ceremony, the queen, king and court will be part of the anniversary parade on Saturday, May 21, at 1 p.m.

For more information about the sesquicentennial and a schedule of events, visit the previously mentioned website or http://www.facebook.com/ParkesburgSesquicentennial.