A Royal Week to Remember: Meet Our New Royal Family!  What an u

A Royal Week to Remember: Meet Our New Royal Family!  What an unforgettable week it has been for the Hernando de Soto Historical Society! From the elegance of the De Soto Ball to the excitement of the 87th Annual Grand Parade, our community came together to celebrate heritage, tradition, and fun in grand style.Friday night at the Bradenton Area Convention Center was nothing short of magical as family, friends, and supporters gathered for the De Soto Ball, the social event of the year! This black-tie evening was filled with pomp and circumstance as we crowned our new Queen and welcomed the newest Hernando de Soto before dancing the night away. Then on Saturday, the streets came alive for the 87th Annual De Soto Grand Parade, one of the most anticipated traditions in our community! With dazzling illuminated floats, beads flying, music playing, and thousands lining the streets, it was truly one of the biggest and brightest celebrations yet. We are proud to introduce the 2026 Royal Family: Christopher Welles, Hernando de Soto  Faith Madison Geluso, Queen  Grace Ann Tripp, Princess  Dave Clark, CaptainWe are also proud to recognize our 2026 Ambassador: Jacob Mruk, AmbassadorAs Ambassador, Jacob will represent the Hernando de Soto Historical Society through the Dr. Art Engelhard Student Exchange Program, a meaningful tradition that strengthens the bond between Bradenton and its Sister City, Barcarrota.Through a generous donation by De Soto member Dr. Art Engelhard, this annual student exchange program offers a Bradenton resident the opportunity to journey to Spain for the summer (usually about 10 weeks), becoming immersed in Spanish culture and returning home with a deeper appreciation of the relationship between our two cities. Later in the year, a student from Barcarrota travels to Bradenton to experience American culture firsthand.  We are also proud to celebrate our 2026 Vernon DeSear Friendship Award Recipients:Faith Geluso & Kayla KirkseyThis special award is voted on by fellow court members and honors those who exemplify kindness, encouragement, and true friendship throughout the Queen’s Court journey.In addition to this meaningful recognition, the Friendship Award recipients receive a scholarship in honor of the positive impact they made on their fellow court members. Scholarships are one of the most meaningful traditions of Queen’s Court. Every member receives a scholarship for participating, while the Queen, Princess, Friendship Award recipients, and the Ambassador receive additional scholarship opportunities to support their future educational and career goals. It is just one more way the Hernando de Soto Historical Society invests in the leaders of tomorrow.We are so proud of these inspiring young women, our Ambassador, and the entire Royal Family, and we cannot wait to see all they accomplish this year.Save the Date! Mark your calendars now for next year’s De Soto Festival, happening Wednesday, April 21 through Sunday, April 25, 2027! We can’t wait to celebrate with you again for another unforgettable week of tradition, pageantry, and community fun.To view the full Court Archive and learn more, visit the current court page. <click here>To view the full Crewe Archive and learn more, visit the current crewe page. <click here> Royal Family: Hernando de Soto Christopher Welles; Queen Faith Madison Geluso, Princess Grace Ann Tripp; Captain Dave Clark, Jacob Mruk, Ambassador 2026 Vernon DeSear Friendship Award Recipients: Faith Geluso & Kayla Kirksey The post A Royal Week to Remember first appeared on Hernando de Soto Society.