Hundreds of visitors, sporting tropical attire, beaver tails, and oversized front teeth, attended Beavwatch, this year’s theme for the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024. 

Contestants Norma Pat, Chic Ada, Clint Eatswood, Kenny Logends, and Woody Wonka performed captivating routines, hoping to win the favor of judges Captain Firecrotch, Cherry Melons, Chewlius Caesar, Captain Beavheart, and Kaferine de Nerve. Woody Wonka, portrayed by Sam Dalzell, 34, of Durham, took the crown this year after performing a routine filled with Oompa Loompas, candy, and dancing.  

The beloved local event began in the early 2000s when concerned residents of Duke Park lobbied the county to save a beaver den being threatened as the state planned to widen I-85. When efforts succeeded, residents threw a pageant the next year to celebrate. 

This year, the event raised upwards of $27,000 for the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association, the organization says.

 —Angelica Edwards, INDY Photographer

Clint Eatswood, portrayed by Marc Emerson, 41, of Durham, takes the stage during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.
Clint Eatswood (right), portrayed by Marc Emerson, 41, of Durham, performs during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.
Kenny Logends, portrayed by Mark Mishalanie, 41, of Durham, sings during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.
The head Oompa Loompa, portrayed by Jillian Anderson, 35, of Durham, helps Woody Wonka, portrayed by Sam Dalzell, 34, of Durham, get ready to perform during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.
Visitors attend the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.
Children build crafts at the Scrap Exchange booth during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.
The Bulltown Strutters, a New Orleans-Style Parade and Stage Band, march in a parade during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.
Performers in contestant Chic Ada’s routine dance during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.
Chic Ada, portrayed by Candace Burch, 40, of Durham, holds up a cicada during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.
Oompa Loompas watch Woody Wonka, portrayed by Sam Dalzell, 34, of Durham, perform during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.
(From left) Kaferine de Nerve, Captain Beavheart, Chewlius Caesar, Captain Firecrotch, and Cherry Melons, judge contestants during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.
Brother Morningwood, portrayed by Mark Zumback, 66, of Cary, leads children in the “Blessing of the Kits,” a prayer for the planet, during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham. “Big Mamma Beaver…you call on us, not just to be good stewards of our environment, but to live lives with and of ethical purpose,” said Morningwood.
Brother Morningwood, portrayed by Mark Zumback, 66, of Cary, leads children in the “Blessing of the Kits,” a prayer for the planet, during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham. “Big Mamma Beaver…you call on us, not just to be good stewards of our environment, but to live lives with and of ethical purpose,” said Morningwood.
Len Stanley, a Bulltown Strutters member, dances during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.
(From left) Christine Stevralia, 35, of Durham, helps Chic Ada, portrayed by Candace Burch, 40, of Durham, change into a costume during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.
Chic Ada, portrayed by Candace Burch, 40, of Durham, performs during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.
Norma Pat, portrayed by Trisha Shelly, 51, of Durham, takes the stage during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.
Norma Pat, portrayed by Trisha Shelly, 51, of Durham, answers questions from the audience during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.
Woody Wonka, portrayed by Sam Dalzell, 34, of Durham, reacts after being chosen as the next Beaver Queen during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.
Woody Wonka, portrayed by Sam Dalzell, 34, of Durham, is crowned as the next Beaver Queen during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.
Woody Wonka, portrayed by Sam Dalzell, 34, of Durham, is crowned as the next Beaver Queen during the 20th annual Beaver Queen Pageant at Duke Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Durham.

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