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Candidates sought for Turlock Heritage Festival royal court
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Downtown Turlock’s popular Taste of Turlock event has officially become a city-wide cultural celebration after the Turlock City Council proclaimed it the newly-named Turlock Heritage Festival.

To preside over Turlock’s newest celebration of its multicultural heritage will be the Heritage Festival King, Queen, Prince and Princess. Nominations are now being accepted for this new contest.

People may enter themselves or nominate others to be the Turlock Heritage Festival King, Queen, Prince or Princess. Nominees must be ages 16 to 21 for Prince/Princess and older than 21 for King/Queen. To enter, submit an essay on why the candidate should be chosen, a photo and three references by e-mail to khacker@turlockjournal.com or turlock@turlockcitynews.com or drop off the information at the Turlock Journal office, located at 138 S. Center St., by 5 p.m. on April 29. Candidates will be chosen based on event volunteers’ review, potential public voting and community involvement.

Mayor John Lazar will present the chosen Turlock Heritage Festival King, Queen, Prince and Princess at the Main and Center streets intersection to begin the festival at 11 a.m. on May 7.

Cultural groups interested in participating in the Heritage Festival thus far have been identified as American, Assyrian, Hispanic, Scandinavian, Portuguese, Indian, Historic Turlock, Agriculture and Modern Culture. The event will also include some Swiss, Irish, Greek and Italian participation.

“We are excited by the amount of community involvement this year,” said Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association (TDPOA) Executive Director Trina Walley. “The cultural theme has taken this from a good event to a great event.”

There will be a lot to experience and savor during this walking tour of the downtown. People will be able to enjoy cultural music and dance performances, children’s activities, art, exhibits, along with food, appetizers, and wine and beverages from Turlock restaurants and vendors.

While this community event will not have an admission fee, tickets will be sold for tasting wristbands, which are needed to receive samples from 30 participating restaurants and vendors. Ongoing updates of tasting participants and scheduled entertainment and activities will continue through advertisements, posters around town, flyers and at www.tasteofturlock.com.

To participate in this event or for more information, contact event chair DJ Fransen at dj@turlockcitynews.com or 678-7759.