It's that time of year again - time to apply to compete in the annual Rose Queen competition. As always, I know approximately half a million people who want to compete, and only four of them will win. They'll then get the priviledge of appearing in the Rose Parade in the backs of shiny new cars, as well as wearing their sashes everywhere they go for a while.
You may think I don't like the Rose Queen contest, but the truth is, I think it's great. There aren't many opportunities that can boost a girl's self-esteem the way that does, and it's great to see the pride and satisfaction on the faces of the successful Princesses, and of course, the Queen.
Just one question - where's the King?
The Rose Queen contest has been part of the Rose Festival for decades, yet the only male monarchs who've ever been honored in the Festival are the Rose Bud Kings, who never look like they have much interest in being there, even when they're posing (or being posed) in the arms of the pretty princesses. What kind of message are they sending to our young males? Once you're not a baby anymore, you're too old to compete? Only girls can be royalty? This sexist and ageist segregation has to end. It's an outrage!
All kidding aside, is there really a good reason not to have a Rose King? It can't be due to lack of interest - I know many people who'd be interested in participating. I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to find some kindly old ladies who'd be happy to watch and judge the handsome young men. And just imagine the drama and excitement that would result if the Queen and the King happened to be boyfriend and girlfriend - or perhaps even more if they didn't! It would be the talk of the town for sure.
And with all these benefits, what would be the drawbacks? None that I can think of. They could even have the King and princes share cars with with the Queen and princesses in the parade, to save on gas and rental fees. What do the festival organizers have to lose?
With that, I propose the introduction of a Rose King competition as part of the Rose Festival. Those girls deserve the attention they get - it's not easy to put yourself in that position in the first place - but for 2017, it's time to show the boys a little love too.
