Reigning Duke of Orange Treavor Saunders (seated) was proud to compete with the other contestants vying for the 2024 title. Pictured (in foreground, from left) are Benjamin Finley III and Cameron Geringer-Pates, along with (back row, from left) Dave Simpson, Anatolii Shtapenko, Mike Salas, Aaron Gosa, Dyson Posey, Adrian Olmos, Shad Gibbons and Dan Parks.

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Treavor Saunders  /  Duke of Orange

Treavor Saunders, a self-professed introvert, is the current reigning Duke of Orange.  Saunders, who has spent almost his entire life in Orange, took on this role through encouragement from peers at the Orange Elks Lodge.

“I was approached by JC Cortez, the former and inaugural Duke of Orange and Janine Storm, the immediate past Exalted Ruler of our lodge,” says Saunders.  “They believed I was the right fit for the next competition.”

Despite his initial reluctance, encouragement from his wife and the support of his community nudged him to participate in the annual event hosted by the Orange Chamber of Commerce.  The Duke of Orange competition features three segments: responding to a judge’s question, a talent performance, and an air-band act.

“When it was my turn, I sang ‘Friends in Low Places,’ and for the air-band performance, I chose ‘Earache My Eye’ by Cheech and Chong,” says Saunders, who enjoys singing.

The competition took place at the Women’s Club in February and saw 15 contestants vying for the title.

“I’ve known Treavor for 14 years,” says Storm.  “I thought he would be good because he is such a good person.  His personality is such that he would give you the shirt off his back.  Although he doesn’t like to be in the limelight, he deserved it.  He does everything for everyone and this was a nice way to recognize that.”

Winning the competition not only brought joy but also a set of duties.  During his one-year reign, Saunders attends community events organized by the Orange Chamber of Commerce, such as the Eggs and Issues breakfast meetings and the annual May Parade, where he dons his crown, cape and scepter.

“I was even asked to sing the national anthem at the Chamber’s board installation dinner,” he says.

His four children and wife, who is also an Elk, are his biggest supporters.  For Saunders, being the Duke of Orange is about more than just the title.  “Representing the city I love and raising my kids here feels fantastic,” he says.  “Orange has a remarkable small-town feel.”

Saunders offers encouragement to anyone considering competing for the Duke of Orange.  “If you’re interested, just go for it,” he says.  “You never know what you can achieve until you try.”

Indeed, the Duke of Orange isn’t just a fundraiser but a celebration of community spirit, where any man over the age of 21, who lives, works or studies in Orange can compete.

Duke of Orange
www.OrangeChamber.com/the-duke-of-orange