Teen loses Neptune ‘prince’ bid
VIRGINIA BEACH — Someday a prince may come to the Neptune Festival, but it won’t be in 2021.
Evan Nied received a rejection letter this week after he applied to be the celebration’s first prince.
“The position for which you have applied does not currently exist,” wrote Nancy Creech, Neptune Festival president and CEO. She cited that plans were well underway and that “unknown factors” could affect the event, so she couldn’t accept his application.
Nied, 16, wanted to be included in the festival’s exclusive “royal court,” but there’s no option for teenage boys. Only girls can apply to be a ceremonial princess. The roles of King Neptune and the Tritons, his sidekicks, are reserved for adult men.
The brush-off baffled Nied.
“I’m kind of confused of why I would be denied the chance to get involved in such a community activity,” he said. “It’s just unfortunate.”
The Neptune Festival is a 47-year-old tradition that celebrates the “beach life” with social events, an art show, surf contest and more. It culminates with a parade on Atlantic Avenue at the end of September. The royal court attends the festivities and rides on a parade float.
His gender aside, Nied, a Kempsville High School
student, exceeded the criteria for princesses, which included a minimum GPA and community service activities. He had hoped to be the prince waving to the crowd.
At home, Nied said he was taught that boys and girls should be able to do the
same things, and at school, he learned that no matter race or creed, everyone should have equal opportunities.
“I learned a different lesson from the Neptune Festival,” he said.
Creech could not be reached for comment Friday.
However, she wrote in her letter that festival organizers carefully reviewed whether to add a prince to the royal court.
“Your application and request to be a prince in the festival is the first time such interest has been expressed,” she wrote, adding that “we do not feel that we can accept your application.”
Several people have told Nied that one day he could become a festival triton or even king, but that doesn’t take the sting out. He wants the Neptune Festival to break down its gender barriers.
“As a triton, you’re supposed to showcase yourself as a businessman in the community,” he said. “Why can’t that be women as well?”
He added, “It should be the best person suited for the job. It shouldn’t be based on gender.”
Though Creech didn’t explain her reasoning for rejecting Nied, she left the door open for change.
“As we continue in our desire to adjust to the ever-changing interests of our citizenry we will certainly consider your suggestion for the future,” she wrote.
Nied’s not waiting for someday. He wants an alternative monarchy now.
“Maybe I’ll make my own co-ed court to show how inclusive Virginia Beach can be,” he said.