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Info, Rules, & Application

Valley Heritage Days Firecracker Court

Be Part of the Tradition!

The Valley Heritage Days Firecracker Court is a fun community fundraising program supporting Valley Heritage Days and the July 4th Fireworks Fund.

Court members serve as ambassadors for:

⭐ Valley Heritage Days
⭐ Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum (MCARLM)
⭐ King City Chamber of Commerce

👑 Court Divisions

King & Queen

Grades 9–12
Must have attended high school during the 2025–2026 school year

Prince & Princess

Grades 6–8
Must have attended junior high during the 2025–2026 school year

Lord & Lady

Kindergarten–5th Grade
Must have attended elementary school during the 2025–2026 school year

Sparklers

Ages 3–5
Must be 3–5 years old by July 4
No school enrollment required

✨ How to Participate

  1. Parent or legal guardian submits a nomination

  2. Apply online at mcarlm.org

  3. Nomination Deadline: May 30

Please note:

  • Submitting an application does not guarantee participation

  • Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee representing:

    • King City Chamber of Commerce

    • MCARLM Board of Directors

  • A limited number of candidates will be selected to move forward

💥 Voting & Fundraising

Each dollar donated equals one vote toward the candidate of your choice.

$1 = 1 Vote

Votes may be cast:

🫙 In candidate jars at participating local businesses
🏢 At the King City Chamber of Commerce office

Donors must provide the child’s full name when voting.

All proceeds benefit the King City July 4th Fireworks Fund.

Voting Ends July 1

This allows time for vote counting and verification.

🎇 Crowning Night

Winners will be crowned July 3 during the Fireworks Show at the Fairgrounds.

Finalists are expected to attend.

👑 Crowning takes place live during the evening program.

🇺🇸 July 4 Court Activities

Court members are expected to:

✔ Ride in the July 4 Parade wearing crown and sash
✔ Attend Valley Heritage Days festivities
✔ Visit the park and car show
✔ Participate in photos and award presentations, including Best of Show

👗 Attire

Participants provide their own patriotic formal or semi-formal attire.

Attire should be family-friendly and appropriate for a public community celebration.

🌟 Representing Our Community

Court members and families help represent Valley Heritage Days and its partner organizations.

We ask all participants to demonstrate:

❤️ Respect
🇺🇸 Good sportsmanship
✨ Positive community spirit

Behavior involving illegal activity, drug or alcohol use, or conduct that reflects negatively on the program may result in removal from the court at the discretion of organizers.

Important Information

  • Organizers may adjust dates, locations, or procedures if necessary

  • Participation is contingent upon following program rules and expectations

  • By submitting a nomination, families acknowledge and accept these guidelines

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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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