Ardis and Ken Newberg named Willmar Fests senior ambassadors

Erica Dischino / TribuneKen and Ardis Newberg smile after they are crowned Wednesday afternoon as the incoming Willmar Fests Senior Ambassadors during the annual coronation at the Willmar Community Center. — Erica Dischino / Tribune Ken and Ardis Newberg smile after they are crowned Wednesday afternoon as the incoming Willmar Fests Senior Ambassadors during the annual coronation at the Willmar Community Center.

By Erica Dischino

June 19, 2019 06:00 PM

WILLMAR - Senior royalty were crowned Wednesday afternoon during the annual Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. Current Senior Ambassadors Sharon and Gary Mages crowned Ardis and Ken Newberg as the new ambassadors for the upcoming year.

Diane and David Frey also were candidates for Senior Ambassador royalty.

The theme of the event was "Starry Nights," and audience members enjoyed a live performance by Gig Noonan as well as a visit from Willmar Fests royalty candidates.

Editor's Note: This story was updated to correct the spelling of the Senior Ambassadors' last name. It is spelled Newberg.

Erica Dischino / TribuneArdis Newburg smiles while addressing the audience after being crowned Wednesday afternoon as Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador during the annual coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar.

1/6: Erica Dischino / Tribune Ardis Newberg smiles while addressing the audience after being crowned Wednesday afternoon as Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador during the annual coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar.

Erica Dischino / TribuneWillmar Fests royalty candidates dance Wednesday afternoon during the annual Senior Ambassador coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar.

2/6: Erica Dischino / Tribune Willmar Fests royalty candidates dance Wednesday afternoon during the annual Senior Ambassador coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar.

Erica Dischino / TribuneArdis Newberg, right, reacts Wednesday afternoon to finding out that she and husband Ken Newberg are the new Willmar Fests Senior Ambassadors. Current royalty Sharon and Gary Mages placed a crown on her head during the annual coronation at the Willmar Community Center.

3/6: Erica Dischino / Tribune Ardis Newberg, right, reacts Wednesday afternoon to finding out that she and husband Ken Newberg are the new Willmar Fests Senior Ambassadors. Current royalty Sharon and Gary Mages placed a crown on her head during the annual coronation at the Willmar Community Center.

Erica Dischino / TribuneWillmar Fests Aqua Princess Carly Hulstein, left, dances with current Senior Ambassador Gary Mages during the annual Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador coronation Wednesday afternoon at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. The theme of the event was “Starry Nights” and audience members enjoyed a live performance by Gig Noonan as well as a visit from Willmar Fests royalty candidates.

4/6: Erica Dischino / Tribune Willmar Fests Aqua Princess Carly Hulstein, left, dances with current Senior Ambassador Gary Mages during the annual Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador coronation Wednesday afternoon at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. The theme of the event was “Starry Nights” and audience members enjoyed a live performance by Gig Noonan as well as a visit from Willmar Fests royalty candidates.

Erica Dischino / TribuneGig Noonan performs Wednesday afternoon after Ken and Ardis Newberg are crowned Willmar Fests Senior Ambassadors at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar.

5/6: Erica Dischino / Tribune Gig Noonan performs Wednesday afternoon after Ken and Ardis Newberg are crowned Willmar Fests Senior Ambassadors at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar.

Erica Dischino / TribuneWillmar Fests Senior Ambassador candidate David Frey dances with Willmar Fests royalty candidate Maddie Stoeberl during the annual Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador coronation Wednesday afternoon at the Willmar Community Center.

6/6: Erica Dischino / Tribune Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador candidate David Frey dances with Willmar Fests royalty candidate Maddie Stoeberl during the annual Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador coronation Wednesday afternoon at the Willmar Community Center.

By Erica Dischino

Erica Dischino is a photojournalist for the West Central Tribune and Forum News Service. She grew up in northern New Jersey and has lived in the Midwest since 2017. She enjoys photographing the stories of west central Minnesota from county fairs, parades and pandemics. Feel free to contact her at edischino@wctrib.com or 320-894-8865 with your best photo ideas.

Ardis and Ken Newberg named Willmar Fests senior ambassadors

WILLMAR -- Senior royalty were crowned Wednesday afternoon during the annual Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. Current Senior Ambassadors Sharon and Gary Mages crowned Ardis and Ken Newberg as ...