Young Ambassadors Winners Announced
2012 Young Ambassadors are Gracie Bolinger (left) and Keagan Pierson (right)
Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Main Street Young Ambassador Contest winners were announced at Penn Central Mall center court Monday evening.
All participants, ages three through kindergarten, of the Young Ambassadors Contest were introduced by Master of Ceremonies, Steve Shettler of KBOE radio. Music was provided by Bob Allen of Spinners DJ with Rylie Shettler singing ‘The First Noel’.
The tradition of reading ‘Frosty The Snowman’ continued on this year after long time participant Judy Phillips passed away this past July. Her grandson, Eric Bridges, took up the tradition this year by reading the story to the children.
The Young Ambassador Contest was once again organized by Diane Green, who has chaired the event for many years. Karen Hafner of the Oskaloosa Chamber and Development Group expressed thanks by saying Green’s effort in “making this a special event is greatly appreciated.”
Local merchants sponsored the children’s canisters. The money placed in the canisters were the equivalent to votes. This year Gracie Bolinger, daughter of Alexandrea Steffen, was crowned “Queen”. Keagan Pierson, son of Eddie and Jill Pierson, was crowed “King”.
A total of $1,497.08 was collected from the contest. This year, proceeds will go toward a donation to Little Creations United Methodist Church for a scholarship. The balance is then used to defray costs of the Main Street Lighted Christmas Parade.
Those participating, in addition to Gracie Bolinger and Keagan Pierson, are: Adilynn Montgomery, Bailey Breuklander, Breauna Fenton, Carly Rupprecht, Freya Smith, Gabriella Stropes, Gentrie Sarver, Kaylia Shipman, Megan Vos, Blake Henry, Cordyn Dilley, Henry Bru, Jeremiah Roberson, Liam Thomas, Reyon Turner and Zander Bunnell.
Gifts provided for all children were donated from local merchants which included: Mahaska Drug, Dr. Tom Bowie, Hy-Vee, Gardner Collier Jewelry, Book Vault, Debbie’s Merle Norman, KBOE Radio, Swims Sports and Engraving, MidWestOne Bank, Hair Designer Salon and Spa, Brown’s Shoe Fit, Wood N’ Stuff, Maurices and the Oskaloosa Herald.
All participants were then invited to be a part of the Lighted Christmas Parade “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree” that will make its way through downtown Oskaloosa Thursday, November 29th.
