Copperas Cove Five Hills royalty capture first place in Lampasas Spring Ho Parade

Special to Leader-Press

Copperas Cove’s stage coach stop and post office, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Allin House, and the city’s first families were just a few of the historical images that appeared on the City of Copperas Cove’s float as it rolled through the streets of Lampasas on Saturday at the annual Spring Ho Festival Parade.  
This year’s theme was Come See Our Hometown and the Copperas Cove Five Hills royalty took parade spectators on a historical tour of Copperas Cove through the 10 historical photo posters on the float posted among the five hills labeled with their names that surround the city.
Five Hills Ambassador Briana Liles said each titleholder spoke to the judges about the historical landmark assigned to her.
“It felt so good to win first place because everyone played their part on the float and spoke about the City of Cove. You just never know if they know about how Cove began or not, so it was fun to educate them,” Liles said. “I loved how the judges and all the people truly appreciated the way we set up the float and how we looked dressed up in our cowboy hats, blue jean skirts and white shirts.”
From among more than 150 entries, the Lampasas Spring Ho Parade is the royalty’s fourth first place win already this year having taken first place in the Burnet Bluebonnet Festival Parade, Copperas Cove Rabbit Fest Parade, and the Holland Corn Festival Parade. 
But, the first place parade win on Saturday was not the only award the local titleholders came away with. Preteen Miss Five Hills Kaydence Roberts won Best of Show in the Lampasas Spring Ho Cardboard Boat Regatta and won second place in the boat race in her age division. 
“This year, we came up with a cool boat and unique paddles. I really felt I had a chance to win this year.  When the whistle blew, I took off and I was ahead and doing great. Then, bam, one of my paddles broke,” Roberts said. “I didn’t give up. I took the paddles off and continued with just using my hands.  I’m not giving up (on winning) just yet. I am already thinking of ideas for my next boat and maybe next year will be my year to pull out a win.”
Junior Miss Five Hills Hayley Sawyer won first place in her age division in her boat created with dolphin shapes and sparkling tiaras. 
“Since it was my first time, I was nervous,” the 8-year old said. “But when I got in, I felt determined to win. I wanted to win it for all of the royalty.”
Young Miss Five Hills Angelica Torres, Teen Miss Five Hills Mary Rhorick and Miss Five Hills Emerald Bentley competed in the Lampasas Spring Ho Kayak Races. Rhorick and Bentley, both experienced kayakers, each won third place in their respective divisions.
The royalty also competed in the festival’s sack and relay races winning multiple awards.