The Virginia Beach Neptune Festival Announces its 51st Reigning Monarch
A Royal First: The Crowning of Queen Neptune LI—Buffy Barefoot
For the first time in its 51-year history, the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival has crowned a Queen as its reigning monarch. Community leader and President of TowneBank Virginia Beach, Buffy Barefoot will assume the celebrated role previously held only by bearded gentlemen.
The Neptune Royal Monarch is chosen by the Neptune Festival committee from nominations solicited from the public and serves as the figurehead leader of the annual season of events. The selection process weighs criteria such as demonstrated involvement and contribution to the quality of life in Virginia. Once chosen, the Monarch and the rest of the Royal Court become ambassadors for the Neptune Festival throughout the year.
“We are thrilled to usher in a new era of the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival with Buffy Barefoot as Queen Neptune,” said Christopher “Kit” Chope, President and CEO of the Neptune Festival. “As we embark on our next 50 years, it’s only fitting that we celebrate this milestone with the selection of such a dynamic and inspiring leader. Buffy’s passion for this community and her dedication to making Virginia Beach a better place to live, work, and play, make her a perfect choice to reign as our 51st Monarch.”
A distinguished professional and native Virginia Beach resident, Buffy Barefoot has made a lasting impact through her leadership, philanthropy, and volunteerism. In addition to her work with Neptune Festival, Buffy’s current community involvement includes the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation, Hampton Roads Alliance, and Tidewater Professional Sports. With a deep love for the Neptune Festival and its mission, she is honored to lead this year’s celebrations.
“My connection with the Neptune Festival spans three decades, starting when I was just 21 years old,” said Buffy Barefoot. “I have a deep appreciation for the joy and unity it brings to Virginia Beach. Participating in the Festival with my family has given me lifelong friends and cherished memories that I hold dear. Becoming the Festival’s first Queen is an honor beyond compare.”
As Queen Neptune LI, Buffy will reign over a Royal Court consisting of her Tritons, who are selected based on their leadership and contributions to the community, and the Festival’s Princes and Princesses from area High Schools. The Neptune Festival’s mission is to enhance family, community and togetherness, create a positive economic impact for the area, and showcase Virginia Beach, our shining city by the sea. The Royal Court will serve as ambassadors for the Neptune Festival throughout the year, promoting this mission at events and engagements.
2025 NEPTUNE FESTIVAL TRITONS
Tritons are male and female community leaders nominated for their embodiment of the Neptune Festival’s spirit. Alongside Queen Neptune, these individuals and their partners serve on the Royal Court.
- Dave Bellis | ADS, Inc.
- Bart Dexter | Hourigan
- Melinda Hancock | Sentara Health
- Dan Heatwole | Ripley Heatwole
- Jason Kies | KPMG
- Tim Paice | BDO
- Jack Stiffler | Compton Wealth Advisory Group
- Anthony Walters | YMCA of South Hampton Roads
2025 NEPTUNE FESTIVAL PRINCE AND PRINCESSES
The Festival’s Princes and Princesses are young leaders who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their schools, communities, and civic organizations. This year’s honorees represent: Bayside High School, Cape Henry Collegiate, Cox High School, Kellam High School, Kempsville High School, First Colonial High School, Norfolk Academy, and Princess Anne High School.
- Kennedy Armstrong
- Maren Baxley
- Londyn Coleman
- Beverly Cuffee
- Grace Curran
- Carson Gaddy
- Aditya Jain
- Vedha Nuthi
- Hattie Novario
- Lily Rouse
- Sadie Ruane
- Sami Sager
- Aubrey Swain
About Virginia Beach Neptune Festival
Founded in 1974, the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that produces more than 40 events each year. These events generate tens of millions of dollars for the local economy while contributing to the cultural, educational, and recreational development of Hampton Roads. Last year was the organization’s highly celebrated 50th Anniversary. The Neptune Festival’s flagship event, Boardwalk Weekend, has an economic impact of $26.1 million, an attendance of over 405,000, and is recognized as one of North America’s Top 100 Events. The 2025 Boardwalk Weekend will take place from September 26th through September 28th. For more information, visit NeptuneFestival.com or call the Festival office at 757.498.0215.