In 2008 I celebrated my 30th anniversary of being crowned Miss Buccaneer Queen. I was 16 years old when I won the title and traveled to many wonderful cities around Texas representing my home city of Corpus Christi and participated in the Aquatennial Festival in Minnesota, Minneapolis. I must say that winning Buccaneer Queen is still one of the highlights of my life. I have been so proud to represent my city around Texas at all of the festivals that went on throughout my reign.
I hope you enjoy some of the photos from my reign as the 1978-1979 Buccaneer Day Queen. Thank you Bucaneer Days for a wonderful time of my life!
Brief History on Buc Days!
The first Buccaneer Days celebration in 1938 was a descendant of Splash Days celebrations that had been observed here for the previous 21 years. Apparently started in 1917, Splash Days consisted mainly of a bathing beauty contest on North Beach to signify the beginning of summer. By 1937, it has become a three-day event sponsored by merchants. However, most residents and participants in Splash Days felt the celebration lacked the glamour that the growing city of Corpus Christi deserved. Part of being "Miss Buc Days" and one of the two "Pirate Queens" (the 1st and 2nd runner-ups) was riding on the traveling float, which visited 20-25 parades for festivals around South Texas. Chaperoned by Buccaneer Commissioners and their spouses, many of the past Miss Buc Days have incredibly fond memories of their experiences during these trips. Long-time Buccaneer Commissioner, Warren Shaw said the Pirate Queens and the Commissioners who traveled with them established long-lasting friendships. "We enjoyed seeing those ladies and being a part of their lives," he said. "A lot of them are still here and have raised families." In 1996, the Buccaneer Commission established a four-year scholarship to Texas A&M University ? Corpus Christi for the winner of the Miss Buc Days contest. The candidate must be in top 20% of their class and demonstrate her academic achievements, community involvement, leadership, communication and social skills. The first and second runner-ups will receive $1,500 and $1,000 one-year scholarships, respectively, to the college of their choice.
