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Info, Rules, & Application

Valley Heritage Days Court

Official Rules & Guidelines

The Valley Heritage Days Firecracker Court is a community-fundraising program benefiting the

Valley Heritage Days.

All participants serve as representatives of Valley Heritage Days MCARLM, and the King City Chamber of Commerce.

Court Titles & Eligibility

Valley Heritage Day King & Queen

  • Must have been enrolled in high school during the 2025–2026 school year

  • Open to students in grades 9–12

Valley Heritage Day Prince & Princess

  • Must have been enrolled in junior high during the 2025–2026 school year

  • Open to students in grades 6–8

Valley Heritage Day Lord & Lady

  • Must have been enrolled in elementary school during the 2025–2026 school year

  • Open to students in Kindergarten through 5th grade

Sparklers

  • Must be 3–5 years old on July 4

  • No school enrollment required

Nomination Process

  • Children may be nominated by a parent or legal guardian.

  • Nominations must be submitted online at mcarlm.org

  • Nomination deadline: February 20

  • Submission of a nomination does not guarantee participation.

All applications will be reviewed by a selection committee made up of representatives from:

  • The King City Chamber of Commerce

  • The MCARLM Board of Directors

The committee will select a limited number of candidates in each category to advance to the voting phase.

Voting & Fundraising

  • Each dollar donated equals one (1) vote

    • $1 = 1 vote

  • Voting methods:

    1. Donations placed in a child’s labeled jar at participating local businesses

    2. Donations made at the King City Chamber of Commerce office in the child’s name

  • Donors must clearly state the child’s full name at the time of donation.

  • All funds raised directly support the King City 4th of July Fireworks Fund.

Voting Closes: July 1

This allows time for counting and verification.

Court Selection & Announcement

  • Votes will be tallied after voting closes.

  • Winners will be announced and crowned on July 3 at the Fireworks Show at the Fairgrounds.

  • All finalists are expected to attend the July 3 event.

  • Crowning will take place live during the program.

July 4 Participation Requirements

Court members are expected to:

  • Ride in the 4th of July Parade wearing their crown and sash

  • Attend Valley Heritage Days activities on July 4

  • Appear at the park and car show

  • Participate in photo opportunities and presentation of awards (including Best of Show)

Attire

  • Participants must provide their own patriotic-colored formal or semi-formal attire

  • Attire must be appropriate for a family-friendly, public community event

Conduct & Representation Standards

All participants and their families acknowledge that court members represent:

  • Valley Heritage Days

  • Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum

  • King City Chamber of Commerce

Participants agree to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on these organizations.

Unacceptable behavior includes, but is not limited to:

  • Drug or alcohol use

  • Illegal activity

  • Behavior deemed inappropriate or damaging to the integrity of the court or hosting organizations

Failure to uphold these standards may result in disqualification or removal from the court at the discretion of the organizing committee.

General Conditions

  • Organizers reserve the right to adjust timelines, locations, or procedures if necessary.

  • Participation is contingent upon compliance with all rules and expectations.

  • By submitting a nomination, families acknowledge and accept these rules.

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Valley Heritage Day Court

Entrant Information

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Media Release, Liability Waiver & Participation Agreement

By submitting this application, the parent or legal guardian (“Participant”) acknowledges and agrees to the following on behalf of themselves and the nominated child:

Media & Image Release

I grant permission to the Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum (MCARLM) and the King City Chamber of Commerce, and their representatives, partners, and assigns, to photograph, video record, and otherwise capture the likeness, image, name, and voice of my child in connection with the Valley Heritage Days Firecracker Court.

I understand and agree that these images and recordings may be used for promotional, educational, fundraising, marketing, social media, website, print, and archival purposes without limitation and without further notice or approval.

I acknowledge that no compensation, monetary or otherwise, will be provided for the use of my child’s image or participation.

Supervision & Responsibility

I understand and agree that I am solely responsible for the supervision of my child at all times during participation in Firecracker Court activities, including but not limited to:

  • Public appearances

  • Crowning ceremonies

  • Parades

  • Valley Heritage Days events

  • Photo opportunities

I agree to accompany my child or ensure a responsible adult accompanies my child at all times during their participation and reign.

Assumption of Risk

I understand that participation in public events involves inherent risks, including but not limited to crowds, weather conditions, physical activity, and travel. I voluntarily assume all risks associated with my child’s participation in the Valley Heritage Days Firecracker Court.

Liability Waiver & Indemnification

I hereby release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless the Monterey County Agricultural and Rural Life Museum (MCARLM), the King City Chamber of Commerce, their officers, board members, employees, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and affiliates from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses of any kind arising out of or related to my child’s participation in this program.

This includes, but is not limited to, claims for:

  • Personal injury

  • Property damage

  • Illness

  • Loss

  • Accidental injury

  • Any other incident, whether caused by negligence or otherwise

I further agree to indemnify and defend MCARLM and the King City Chamber of Commerce against any claims brought on behalf of my child or by any third party related to participation in this program.

No Compensation

I acknowledge and agree that participation in the Valley Heritage Days Firecracker Court is voluntary and honorary. No wages, stipends, prizes, scholarships, or financial compensation will be provided to participants.

Acknowledgment & Acceptance

By submitting this application, I affirm that:

  • I have read and fully understand this agreement

  • I voluntarily consent to its terms

  • I am the legal parent or guardian of the nominated child

  • I agree to abide by all program rules and expectations

Thanks for submitting!

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