Watch: Robin Hood Festival Maid Marian Court members crowned
The court will preside over the July Robin Hood Festival
SHERWOOD, Ore. — The Robin Hood Festival has a new fair lady this year, and fair folks from all over the Sherwood Forest came out to participate in the beloved coronation tradition.
Fair folk from Sherwood came together with the Robin Hood Festival to celebrate the coronation of the 2026 Maid Marian Court at the Elks Lodge on April 18.
Appetizers, desserts, and entertainment brightened the evening full of residents dressed in full regalia like King John, Friar Tuck, Little John, and many fair maidens.
The event kicked off with a Wassail Ceremony, which is a blessing and toast featuring many huzzahs.
Entertainment in the form of sword-fighting was provided by the Northwest Armizare historical martial arts group, and a lyrical interlude by the Sherwood Renaissance Singers. Steve Black served as the emcee and Mason Hartman played the fanfare trumpet.
The Northwest Armizare historical martial arts group demonstrate sword-fighting for the Maid Marian Coronation Ceremony. (Jules Rogers/Sherwood Sun)
This year’s 2026 junior court includes Journey Deller, Hazel Helmick, Eloise McKinney, and Olivia Riffenburgh; while the senior court includes Evelyn Harris, Tess Lahr, Emma Miller, Lacey Mortier, and Paisley Ordonez.
“Throughout the year, these girls will represent Sherwood at the Robin Hood Festival as we build a float and participate in various parades,” Black said. “The girls are responsible for our community's treasured medallion hunt, Maid Marian will Knight valued members of our community and will shoot the first arrow at the opening of the archery tournament.”
The court members will also choreograph a dance for the July festival, award the winning archers, judge the castle contest, emcee the family stage, and greet guests, while also receiving sword-fighting lessons from the Armizare as well as etiquette lessons. In December, the court will emcee the Christmas Tree lighting event and construct Santa’s float.
And the moment the whole forest has been waiting for: Evelyn Harris was named Sherwood’s 2026 Maid Marian, also earning a $500 scholarship from the program.
Evelyn Harris was named Sherwood’s 2026 Maid Marian at the April 18 Coronation celebration. (Jules Rogers/Sherwood Sun)
The event was organized by the all-volunteer Robin Hood Festival Association. The committee members include Jan Hashimoto Chambers, Kathy Bushman, Wendy and Ron Groeger, Theresa Wallace-Lopez, Chandra Ham, Gregg Jacot, Kristine Milky, Bunny Lewis, and Ryan Kelley.
Next, Sherwoodians can look forward to celebrating their regal court at the upcoming Robin Hood Festival July 17-18, which includes the annual parade, street fair, live music, castle-building contest, and archery tournament.
Meet the Court
Evelyn Harris, a sophomore at Sherwood High School, has been on Student Council for two years and is currently the sophomore class president. Evelyn is excited to take on the role of ASB awareness director next year. She is also a member of the high school girls' football team and enjoys playing piano and ballet in her free time. Evelyn was on Junior Court for two years and is thrilled to be part of the Senior Court this year.
Tess Lahr, an eighth grader at Sherwood Middle School, loves singing and participating in choir. Tess enjoys pitching for her club softball team and hopes to play softball in college. She also plays on a club lacrosse team and enjoys hanging out with her friends.
Emma Miller, a freshman at Sherwood High School, is involved in the Bowman choir, and has been involved in theater since she was five years old. Emma enjoys playing piano, ukulele, and flute and has been a competitive swimmer, runner, and soccer player. She has also been a Girl Scout since November.
Lacey Mortier, a junior at Sherwood High School, participates in marching band and competitive snowboarding. Lacey involves herself in many creative outlets, including photography and charcoal art, and plays the clarinet in the wind ensemble. Beyond academics, she has a heart for service, participating in her family's small business community events and babysitting. Lacey is honored to represent Sherwood as an ambassador of kindness on the Maid Marion Court.
Paisley Ordonez, a junior at Sherwood High School, is dedicated to her academic studies with a focus on chemistry and psychology. Paisley plans to pursue a degree in nursing while minoring in psychology. Outside of school, she enjoys playing lacrosse, gaining work experience, and capturing moments through photography. Paisley values kindness and inclusivity and is honored to be part of the Maid Marian Court this year.
