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Florissant Honors winners
Queen Crowning is Always Highlight of Valley of Flowers
By Nichole Richardson
This year’s 54th annual Valley of Flowers queen coronation was once again held at the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Knights of Columbus Pavilion on Sunday afternoon. The 2016 theme was “Valley of Flowers Celebrates…The World of Entertainment.”
Twenty high school juniors from Florissant competed for the honor of being named Valley of Flowers Queen, first runner-up, or one of three special maids. Despite a foreboding appearance, the weather held out nicely for this “first festival of spring.”
2015 Queen Courtney Neisler took the stage and gave the crowd some last photo ops before passing the crown to Incarnate Word Academy student Katie Wissler, who was sponsored by Winshel Carpet Service. Neisler reminisced about her time as Queen saying “I am grateful to have gotten to experience the things that I did and to meet new people. I loved representing the city and making people smile.” Winners were announced by Florissant Councilwoman Jackie Pagano this year instead of Mayor Tom Schneider due to a death in his family.
A newly crowned shocked and timid Wissler looked angelic in her floor length, strapless, pale pink gown. “I wasn’t expecting it,” she said of her win, “there are so many amazing candidates I just didn’t expect it!”
Previous queen Neisler offered up her advice on how to have a great year. “I would tell Katie just be yourself; If you’re yourself then people are gonna love you.” Wissler looks forward to her reign and can’t wait to begin the journey. “I’m most excited about all the parades I get to do and getting to know the Court; they are all such great girls,” smiled Wissler.
Valley of Flowers candidates are sponsored by local businesses and organizations and are then chosen by a panel of judges. Prior to the ceremony, many awards are also given out for numerous contests such as pretty baby, sponsors, and parade units. (see list of winners on page 3)
The pretty baby contest is always a fan favorite and open to any child age two years or younger. This year’s winner for personality was Gage Hoelscher and popularity went to Elijah Robinson. Both winners received commemorative plaques and large gift baskets.
Parade categories included best theme, best decorated car, best organization entry, and best commercial unit. First-place winners in these categories received $100 and a large plaque. Second-place received a medium plaque.
Awards were also given for best antique car and best walking unit. The prize for first-place was $50 and a large plaque and second-place took home a medium plaque. The James J. Eagan Award for first-place best theme unit was won by Queen Candidate Maddie Dickson, sponsored by Handyman Hardware. Second place went to Queen Candidate Claire Jackson, sponsored by Goldkamp Heating and Cooling.
The best decorated car award went to Queen Candidate Tori Turpin, sponsored by Dooley’s Florist and Gifts. Second place was won by fellow Queen Candidate McKenna Morris, sponsored by Korte’s Custom Framing and Antiques.
Queen Candidate Lily Kostecke won first-place for best organization entry. The second-place winner was SHAPE (Sacred Heart Young Adult Group.) Queen Katie Wissler won the best commercial unit award that was sponsored by Winschel Carpet Service. Second-place was awarded to Queen Candidate Mia Hutchason, who was sponsored by Travelink.
Best antique car was decided to be the 1963 VW by the Moolah Motor Patrol. Second-place was Queen Candidate Bria Luem, sponsored by Knights of Columbus Duchesne Council.
Lastly, first-place best walking unit was McCluer North Marching Stars and second-place were the darlings of Strini School of Dance. Cheers Florissant, to another great year at the Valley of Flowers.
