2026 Laurel Festival Scholarship
Brief history of the Laurel Festival:
Winsted gained the name The Laurel City in 1930, after a resident Frank H. DeMars and other members of the community noted the abundance of mountain laurel in the area. In 1932 the Winsted Horticultural Society was formed and the seeds were planted that would eventually produce The Laurel Festival. The first Laurel Queen, Gladys Weaving, was crowned in 1934. Initially the contest began as a beauty pageant but has since turned into a scholarship program. Each year the Laurel City Commission organizes a festival and ball to bring together Winsted’s youth and build community spirit through these events.
2026 Laurel Candidate Registration Form
2026 Laurel Ball Introduction Form
2026 Laurel Festival Sponsor Form