By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
Mustaches may have been the focus of the Bratwurst Festival parade Thursday night, but that focus moved to crowns and sashes not long after – and who would reign over this year’s festival.
As Ashley Keener, last year’s Bratwurst Festival Queen, walked across the stage for the final time, it was to place a crown upon Cayte Pojman’s head. Pojman, a 2016 Bucyrus High School graduate, beat out four other candidates.
“I’m gonna cry. Actually, I already am,” said an emotional Pojman as she thanked her family and others. “I’m looking forward to this year so much.”
Pojman said it felt amazing to be crowned Bratwurst Festival Queen.
“It’s probably the best thing that happened to me,” Pojman said. “I’m so happy right now I just feel like crying.”
She added that she’s excited for the upcoming year.
“We’re going to travel a lot. I know it’s going to be so much fun. Desiree (Sharp) and Kayleigh (Seiber) are probably going to be my best friends now,” Pojman said. “I’m going to make so many memories with them and I’m so excited for this year.”
Sharp was crowned first runner up while Seiber received second runner up and Miss Congeniality honors.
Keener, who is currently studying early childhood education at The Ohio State University at Marion, had mixed emotions as she ended her reign.
“Tired all the time, but the most thing I will remember is all the fun I had and the people I’ve met,” she said.
The Junior Princess Pageant was held earlier in the evening. Sydney Rayborn was named the 2016 Junior Princess, Aubrie Kimmel the first runner up, and Oakley Dyer the second runner up.
PHOTO GALLERY: 2016 Bratwurst Festival: Thursday