Ameliah Eastwood and Jaxson Healey are shown all gussied up in their royal gear as they were preparing to preside over the 2026 Mariposa Butterfly Festival. Photo by Nicole W. Little
It’s not just any day, or anyone, when it comes to being named royalty.
Nope, it takes a special kind of person and there are certainly two of them this year when it comes to being crowned to preside over the annual Mariposa Butterfly Festival.
Jaxson Healey, 5, and Ameliah Eastwood, 8, were bestowed the royal honor thanks to community members who submitted nominations for them to be festival royalty.
“I’m really excited,” said Jaxson last week as he tried on his crown for the first time.
“Yes, I do,” replied Ameliah, 8, when asked if she thought becoming Little Miss Butterfly might have been in her destiny.
Each year, the two royals are chosen by festival organizers in conjunction with the Mariposa Gazette. The newspaper annually sponsors the contest — and gives them a ride in the parade.
They will be featured in the parade starting at 10 a.m. this Saturday in downtown Mariposa.
In the nomination form for Ameliah, it was written: “Ameliah Eastwood is the perfect choice for Little Miss Butterfly 2026 because of her incredibly big heart. Even at her young age, she shows a level of kindness that makes everyone smile.”
Ameliah is in third grade at Woodland Elementary School.
In Jaxson’s nomination form, it stated: “Jaxson is actively involved in Mariposa events and participates in a wide range of sports as well as 4-H and is also an outstanding student.”
He is in kindergarten at Mariposa Elementary School.
It appears both of this year’s nominees — and now royalty — really fit the bill to preside over such a prestigious local event.
“Good,” said Jaxson when asked how he liked having the crown on his head.
For Ameliah, she said she was “excited” to learn she had been nominated by someone in the community. It should be emphasized she was not nominated by her family as her mom, Tarah, organizes the contest.
Tarah said Ameliah has “begged” to be nominated and has always wanted to be Little Miss Butterfly. This year, that dream became a reality with an outside nomination and her selection to wear the crown.
“I like the crown,” said Ameliah, who was stylishly showing it off when it was first placed on her head. “If feels nice to be royalty.”
Jaxson is the son of Kim and James Healey of Mariposa.
Ameliah is the daughter of Tarah and Dan Kerber of Mariposa.
After the parade, the pair will also be at the Mariposa Butterfly Festival, where they will preside over thousands of subjects who will be in attendance.
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