Willmar Fests 2017 Ambassadors Carly Derouin, Hannah Erickson and Alycia Holwerda handed their crowns to the new 2018 Willmar Fests Ambassadors Saturday, June 24, at the WEAC Auditorium in Willmar.
Queen of Festivals Jenna Jagow, International Princess Ashley Olson and Aqua Princess Mary Carlson were crowned Saturday during the 2018 Coronation.
During coronation the candidates gave a showcase presenation to the audience about themselves and answered a question at random. Former Ambassadors Derouin, Erickson and Holwerda gave speeches about their time as ambassadors. Visiting Dignitaries also gave their thanks to the former ambassadors.
Jenna Jagow, Ashely Olson and Mary Carlson were selected to be 2018 Willmar Fests Ambassadors after the judges deliberated. Jagow, Olson and Carlson will represent Willmar for the follwing year until Willmar Fests 2018.
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1/Aqua Princess Alycia Holwerda does a handshake with her family at the beginning of the coronation.
2/International Princess Hannah Erickson hugs her parents at the beginning of the coronation.
3/Queen of Festivals Carly Derouin does a handshake with her family at the beginning of the coronation.
4/Willmar Fests Candidates introduce themselves to the crowd at the beginning of Willmar Fests 2017 "Oh, the Places You'll Go" coronation Saturday, June 24, at the Willmar Education and Arts Center auditorium.
5/Willmar Fests Ambassador Candidates were asked to showcase something about themselves to the audience. Mary Carlson said she was a "foodie" and enjoyed cooking and the essence of food.
6/Jennifer Gratz told the audience she loved exploring and learning new things in different places. Gratz talked about her trip abroad and another language she speaks.
7/Chloe Halvorson told the audience she enjoys being outdoors and embracing her Scandinavian roots. Halvorson went to camp to learn Scandinavian and learn about her culture.
8/Jenna Jagow told the audience she wanted to be a nurse because she loves helping people.
9/Ashley Olson talked to the audience about how she loves music.
10/Megan Peterson told the audience she was currently studying to improve hearing devices for people who are hearing impaired. Peterson talked about her grandmother and advice she gave her when she was little.
11/Rhiann Schmidt told the audience about her love for swimming and how it has shaped her as a person.
12/MaQuelah Schueler told the audience about her involvement in 4-H and the Horse Project.
13/Lily Sombke read an entry from her childhood journal to the audience. Sombke talked about ways she has tried to spread body image positivity through her personal struggles.
14/Samantha U'Ren talked to the audience about her love for film and film making.
15/South Dakota Snow Queens spoke at the Coronation. They gave their thanks to the 2017 Ambassadors.
16/The Montevideo Fiesta Days ambassadors then spoke at coronation.
17/Minneapolis Aquatennial ambassadors thanked Queen of Festivals Carly Derouin for her work as an ambassador.
18/Minneapolis Aquatennial ambassadors gave Kevin Halliday recognition for his involvement in the community.
19/MaQuelah Schueler answered a question after drawing from a fish bowl.
20/Mary Carlson answered a question after drawing from a fish bowl.
21/Jenna Jagow answered a question after drawing from a fish bowl.
22/Jennifer Gratz answered a question after drawing from a fish bowl.
23/Ashley Olson answered a question after drawing from a fish bowl.
24/Lily Sombke answered a question after drawing from a fish bowl.
25/Rhiann Schmidt answered a question after drawing from a fish bowl.
26/Megan Peterson answered a question after drawing from a fish bowl.
27/International Princess Hannah Erickson and Queen of Festivals Carly Derouin listen to Aqua Princess Alycia Holwerda give her last speech as the 2017 Aqua Princess.
28/Queen of Festivals Carly Derouin tears up as she listens to Aqua Princess Alycia Holwerda give her last speech as the 2017 Aqua Princess.
29/Aqua Princess Alycia Holwerda turns away from the audience to compose herself as she gives her last speech as the 2017 Aqua Princess.
30/Aqua Princess Alycia Holwerda tears up as she gives her last speech as the 2017 Aqua Princess. International Princess Hannah Erickson and Queen of Festivals Carly Derouin hand each other tissues.
31/Queen of Festivals Carly Derouin playfully recognizes that she almost forgot to thank her parents for their support over the past year during her last speech as the 2017 Queen of Festivals.
32/Queen of Festivals Carly Derouin turns away from the audience to compose herself as she gives her last speech as the 2017 Queen of Festivals.
33/International Princess Hannah Erickson, from left, Queen of Festivals Carly Derouin and Aqua Princess Alycia Holwerda bring it in for one more hug on stage after they give their last speeches as Willmar Fests 2017 Ambassadors.
34/Aqua Princess Alycia Holwerda, from left, Queen of Festivals Carly Derouin and International Princess Hannah Erickson reveal the dresses for the 2017 Willmar Fests Royalty.
35/Aqua Princess Alycia Holwerda hovers the crown over the heads of Willmar Fests 2017 Candidates as they hold hands waiting to find out who the 2018 Aqua Princess is.
36/Mary Carlson is crowned by Alycia Holwerda as the 2018 Aqua Princess.
37/Mary Carlson attempts so keep hugging Carly Derouin as her crown falls off her head. Hannah Erickson catchers Carlson's crown.
38/Ashely Olson lets out a cheer as she is crowned 2018 International Princess by Hannah Erickson.
39/Ashley Olson is crowned 2018 International Princess.
40/Ashley Olson is crowned 2018 International Princess.
41/Ashley Olson is crowned 2018 International Princess.
42/Queen of Festivals Carly Derouin makes a face after reading who the 2018 Queen of Festivals is.
43/The 2017 Willmar Fests Ambassadors lean in to read who the 2018 Queen of Festivals is.
44/Carly Derouin runs towards the candidates to crown the 2018 Queen of Festivals.
45/Jenna Jagow is crowned 2018 Queen of Festivals by reigning Queen Carly Derouin.
46/Jenna Jagow is suprised after she is crowned 2018 Queen of Festivals.
47/Jenna Jagow is suprised after she is crowned 2018 Queen of Festivals.
48/Jenna Jagow is suprised after she is crowned 2018 Queen of Festivals.
49/Jenna Jagow is suprised after she is crowned 2018 Queen of Festivals.
50/Queen of Festivals Jenna Jagow, from left, International Princess Ashley Olson and Aqua Princess Mary Carlson are named 2018 Willmar Fests Ambassadors.
51/International Princess Ashley Olson, from left, Queen of Festivals Jenna Jagow, and Aqua Princess Mary Carlson are named 2018 Willmar Fests Ambassadors.
