Second runner-up to King Buckwheat continues family legacy spanning six decades

Sep. 22—Photographs fill the homes of Kaden Hayes and his family depicting his uncle, aunt and cousins during their reigns on the Preston County Buckwheat Festival's Royalty Court as various chapters of King Buckwheat and Queen Ceres.

For this year's 82nd Buckwheat Festival, Hayes will join the family photo collection as the second runner-up to King Buckwheat and escort to Second Maid of Honor Olivia Coombs.

Family involvement in the festival for nearly 60 years was an inspiration for Hayes as he made his decision to compete for a role in the Royalty Court, but the Buckwheat Festival has also been a consistent hallmark of the community throughout Hayes' life.

"It's something that brings the community together, so it's just cool to be a part of that, " said Hayes. "Growing up, I've been at the Buckwheat Festival since I was able to walk, and just the environment there with everybody knowing everybody, and just that family feeling with everybody there."

Hayes isn't just following in the footsteps of his family, but continuing his own history with the festival. In second grade, he served as a crown bearer for pageant ceremonies alongside first runner-up to King Buckwheat William Estep.

During his time as second runner-up to King Buckwheat, Hayes has enjoyed sharing the value and beauty of both the Buckwheat Festival and Preston County. Between promoting the festival across the county and state lines, the paintball trips and ice cream breaks have certainly been a bonus of the role.

Across his years at the festival, Hayes' favorite memory is eating classic Preston County buckwheat cakes and sausage with his parents and grandparents.

This year, though, Hayes most anticipates meeting attendees of the festival and experiencing some of the festival's newest additions and special guests, including Alana Springsteen and Tyler Braden on the Buckwheat Music Stage.

"I'm just [looking forward to ] interacting with everybody, teaching everything about what the court has done and trying to get more kids to come out and [compete in the Buckwheat Festival pageants ] next year, " said Hayes.

As a senior at Preston High School, Hayes participates in football, basketball and the Preston County Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter.

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