On the first Saturday of every June, Durhamites gather for the infamous Beaver Queen Pageant, where participants dress up in quirky beaver costumes and showcase their talents.
Since the first pageant in 2005, the Durham non-profit Beaver Lodge Local 1504 has hosted this fundraiser to recognize the courageous efforts of the Duke Park neighborhood, which saved a beaver den in the wetlands near Interstate 85 from being eradicated by the state’s transportation department.
On June 6, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., the event took place at the Duke Park Meadow. There were multiple things attendees could do before the start of the pageant: watch a pre-show performance by musician Max Eloi; peruse various retail stalls with local beaver artwork; grab a bite from the food trucks and meet the famous Durham Poetry Fox…