PORT ORCHARD — Just days before the Fathoms O’ Fun Festival’s Royalty Pageant was to take place on April 21, 2020, the annual event — and countless public events across the country — were abruptly canceled due to the looming COVID-19 pandemic.

But now, 15 months later, many of those who ultimately took part later in the year during a unique reign — with most of their faces covered by masks — were officially crowned not only as 2020 royalty members but as part of the 2021 Royalty Court.

Princesses Veronica, Miah, Rose and Elizabeth shared their platform messages with a small audience of family members and performed during an abbreviated talent segment.

Helene Jensen, Fathoms’ Royalty Court director, said following the event that she was impressed and gratified by the spirit and poise the girls exhibited during the pandemic.

“One of the things I really loved was that during the pandemic, when things were really rough, the girls were able to get people excited about Fathoms,” Jensen said. “When they saw the princesses with their crowns, they got excited and asked, ‘Is something going to happen?’ They were just anxious for anything.

“It was a character-building time for them — and for all of us. It still is.”

New contestants and current members will take part in a coronation pageant for 2022 in February, Jensen said.