By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
Only a few minutes into her reign and Tessa Starner was already campaigning for a new stage. As she laughingly stumbled her way over to 2013 Queen Courtney Walsh, Starner’s heels kept getting caught in the wooden floorboards of the Century Link Stage on Rensselaer Street.
“I keep getting my heels caught in the boards. We need a new stage. Anybody want to make a donation?” Starner asked cheekily as she accepted a sash and a bouquet of flowers.
Starner, an upcoming senior at Wynford High School, was named the 2014 Bratwurst Festival Queen at Thursday night’s pageant.
“It is so unbelievable,” Starner said. “I’m still shaking and asking my mom when she’s going to wake me up. This has been a dream of mine forever and it’s so unreal to be wearing this crown on my head.”
During her acceptance speech, Starner said she was extremely thankful for all of her supporters.
As for being the reigning Bratwurst Festival Queen, there is one event Starner can’t wait to attend.
“One thing I’m looking forward to as queen is the Watermelon Festival. It’s my favorite and I hope I get to do the watermelon contest and hopefully win,” Starner said laughing.
Starner is joined on the 2014 Bratwurst Festival Court by First Runner-Up Shelby Sipe and Second Runner-Up Karlee Koge. Hannah Scott was named the 2014 Junior Princess. Grace Jackson was First Runner-Up and Abbygail Stewart was Second Runner-Up.
Kylie Thompson was selected by her fellow contestants as Miss Congeniality.