WILLMAR
— Dressed to the nines and celebrating 75 years of Kaffe Fest, David and Diana Frey were elated to have been elected to represent Willmar as the 2021 Willmar Fests Senior Ambassadors.
More than 100 audience members enjoyed a live performance Wednesday afternoon by Gig Noonan as well as a visit from current candidates and former Willmar Fests royalty during the senior ambassador coronation at the Willmar Community Center.
Straight out of the Roaring '20s, “The Great Gatsby”-themed celebration brought back almost 20 years of former Senior Ambassadors. Dressed in true Gatsby style, the former ambassadors were introduced, by year served, and applauded as they walked through the crowd.
Originally begun as
Kaffe Fest
in 1945, Willmar Fests is marking its 75th anniversary this year, one year late due to the pandemic. Wednesday was the first day of
Willmar Fests events
, which continue Thursday through Saturday.
See related:
After 76 years, Willmar Fests turns 75*
Waiting in line to be introduced, 2006’s Senior Ambassador Phyllis Willams said that she “just wanted to dance” to some “good music.” Williams said the theme fit perfectly with her outfit, her mother’s wedding dress.
Before passing off their titles, Ardis and Ken Newberg thanked those in the crowd and the Willmar Fests board for giving them the opportunity to serve for two years.
“Oh, what do I say,” Ardis Newberg said. “Two years, we made history.”
With the pandemic cancellation of Willmar Fests in 2020, the Willmar Fests royalty made history as it was the first time the festival had royalty serve for two years in a row.
“You know, not only as a senior club (member), but as a couple, we want to get out in the community and let them know that there's something beyond Willmar Fests for seniors to get involved in,” said Diana Frey.
The Freys talked about how they are looking forward to the year ahead and getting the seniors in the community back out to enjoy all the things Willmar and Minnesota have to offer.
1/9: Diana Frey smiles while being crowned Wednesday, June 23, 2021, along with her husband, David Frey, as the incoming Willmar Fests Senior Ambassadors during the annual coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
2/9: Current Willmar Fests Senior Ambassadors Ardis and Ken Newberg smile while Willmar Fests candidates dance June 23, 2021, during the annual Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
3/9: Current Willmar Fests Queen of Festivals Abby Valladarez dances with fellow royalty and the 2021 ambassador candidates Wednesday, June 23, 2021, during the 2021 Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador Coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
4/9: Diana and David Frey dance together after being crowned Wednesday, June 23, 2021, as the incoming Willmar Fests Senior Ambassadors during the annual coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
5/9: Diana Frey, left, smiles while being crowned Wednesday, June 23, 2021, as the incoming Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador by the current ambassadors Ardis and Ken Newberg during the annual coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
6/9: Former Willmar Fests ambassadors enter the 2021 Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador Coronation on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. The coronation had a Roaring '20s theme. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
7/9: The 2021 Willmar Fests royalty candidates introduce themselves to the crowd Wednesday, June 23, 2021, during the 2021 Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador Coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
8/9: Photos of former Willmar Fests Senior Ambassadors are displayed at the 2021 Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador Coronation on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
9/9: Current Willmar Fests Queen of Festivals Abby Valladarez, left, is escorted Wednesday, June 23, 2021, by former senior ambassador Marv Kinzler during the 2021 Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador Coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
1/9: Diana Frey smiles while being crowned Wednesday, June 23, 2021, along with her husband, David Frey, as the incoming Willmar Fests Senior Ambassadors during the annual coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
2/9: Current Willmar Fests Senior Ambassadors Ardis and Ken Newberg smile while Willmar Fests candidates dance June 23, 2021, during the annual Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
3/9: Current Willmar Fests Queen of Festivals Abby Valladarez dances with fellow royalty and the 2021 ambassador candidates Wednesday, June 23, 2021, during the 2021 Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador Coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
4/9: Diana and David Frey dance together after being crowned Wednesday, June 23, 2021, as the incoming Willmar Fests Senior Ambassadors during the annual coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
5/9: Diana Frey, left, smiles while being crowned Wednesday, June 23, 2021, as the incoming Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador by the current ambassadors Ardis and Ken Newberg during the annual coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
6/9: Former Willmar Fests ambassadors enter the 2021 Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador Coronation on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. The coronation had a Roaring '20s theme. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
7/9: The 2021 Willmar Fests royalty candidates introduce themselves to the crowd Wednesday, June 23, 2021, during the 2021 Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador Coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
8/9: Photos of former Willmar Fests Senior Ambassadors are displayed at the 2021 Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador Coronation on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
9/9: Current Willmar Fests Queen of Festivals Abby Valladarez, left, is escorted Wednesday, June 23, 2021, by former senior ambassador Marv Kinzler during the 2021 Willmar Fests Senior Ambassador Coronation at the Willmar Community Center in Willmar. Erica Dischino / West Central Tribune
