A packed crowd filled Landy’s Restaurant on Thursday night as six candidates and their supporters gathered for the grand reveal of the Englewood Pioneer Days Mayor for a Day fundraiser.
When the final tally was announced, Petreccia D. Samuels, known by many supporters as “Pet”, was named Englewood’s 2025 Mayor for a Day after raising more than $17,000 for the Englewood Food Pantry.
Pet later shared a heartfelt message of gratitude on Facebook. “This victory is not mine alone, but ours as a community,” she wrote, praising her fellow contestants for their teamwork and passion. “It never truly felt like a competition, rather, it felt like teamwork. Each of us worked side by side, lifting up one another while lifting up the people of Englewood.”
She credited her faith for guiding her through the campaign, adding: “Before my first debate I sat and had a conversation with God and I told Him I have no clue what I was doing and that He’s going to have to help me out. And guess what, we all see what He did. It’s not of me but because of Him.”
Outgoing Mayor Laura Roy congratulated Samuels, calling her “a beacon of hope for those less fortunate in our community.”
Six Candidates, One Cause: To support Englewood
This year’s Mayor for a Day contest featured six candidates, each representing a local nonprofit:
- Petreccia Samuels – Englewood Food Pantry (Winner, $17,000)
- Darla Mapes – Englewood Recovery Oasis (2nd Place, $13,645.)
- Ed Kinsey – VFW Post 10178 Veterans Relief Fund (3rd Place, over $11,000)
- Addison Morey – Junior Leadership Englewood
- Lucy White – YMCA, fundraising for a new playground
- Sonnie Hall – Englewood Area Cancer Foundation
Together, the candidates raised more than $65,000 to benefit local organizations.
Mapes, who finished in second place, thanked her supporters, saying, “All for such a good cause. Thank you to everyone who supported our organization.” Kinsey, who placed third, noted, “I’ve lived here all my life, and I see that sometimes people don’t realize what a great community Englewood is. When we come together, things get done. We can do anything!”
Candidate Addison Morey added, “Our community is one of a kind. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but Englewood.”
The festive evening drew a large crowd, including eight former mayors and one grand marshal. Those recognized included past Grand Marshal EstherHorton, and past Mayors, Linda Stevens, Margo Grimshaw, John Mead, Debra Mosley, Charlie Hicks, Janet Shawen, Rebecca DeRosa and 2024 Mayor Laura Roy.
In a special presentation, members of the Sunrise Rotary—Dennis Guzik, Ray Labadie and John Meade—presented a $5,000 check to Linda Stevens of FAME (Friends for the Advancement of Musical Education) to purchase much-needed instruments for local schools.
The “Mayor for a Day” tradition has long been a highlight of Pioneer Days, bringing neighbors together in support of local charities. As Samuels reminded her supporters, quoting Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
This year, Englewood reaped a harvest of generosity, raising funds, awareness and hope.
Next up: Cardboard Boat Races at Indian Mound Park, 10AM Saturday, August 30. See you there!
