By Cindi Hamar
For The New Era
Natalie Conn was crowned the 2025 Sportsman’s Holiday Queen on a perfect summer evening Thursday, July 10, at Community Chapel’s outdoor amphitheater.
Isabella Wagner was named Miss Congeniality, selected by her fellow princesses, Bailey Chafin, Ashley Duncan, Annabelle Morris, Delainie Pratt and Selah Wright.
Emcee Don Knight presided over the program, beginning with the entrance of the flags and the National Anthem, which was sung by Ember Ogden and followed by a proclamation by Mayor Susan Coleman.
The princesses were introduced and escorted by their fathers and a grandfather.
Also introduced were the Junior Court members: princes Solomon Golden, Kai Kern, Kyler Orr, Marshall Steinbrink and Axle Whitmyer; and princesses KaliaAnn Abraham, Taylor Borden, Kenzlee Brown, Rowan Dixon, June Helper, Peyton Hooper, Alina McConnell, Whitney McCutcheon, June Sells and Stella Vaird.
The Junior Court performed a skit, singing a song with very animated gestures about going on a bear hunt.
The performance got the crowd laughing, and it ended with the arrival of the A&W Bear, “scaring” the entire court, who ran off the stage area.
The Sportsman’s Holiday Court princesses each gave a speech focusing on their chosen charities – which each princess selected to sell raffle tickets for – and why the organization was near to her heart.
Wright’s chosen charity was 4-H, which includes three clubs in Sweet Home with 97 members. She has been active for four years.
“4-H makes the leaders of tomorrow,” Wright said.
Wagner’s was Camp Attitude, founded in 1998, which provides special-needs children and their families with weeklong camp experiences.
“I have seen the lasting impact that camp makes for the families with Jesus Christ,” Wagner said.
Pratt’s was the Kids Food Pack program, which was founded 15 years ago and served 120 children this year.
“I remember what it was like to get a food pack; I was one of those kids,” she said.
Morris’ was Heartland Humane Society, which has fostered homeless pets since 1966 with 95% success rates.
“Heartland made a home for pets and people who love them,” she said.
Duncan’s was Sweet Home Emergency Ministries, founded in 1980, which provides food packs, Manna Meals dinners, Back to School backpacks, Christmas boxes and compassionate services to Sweet Home residents.
“They are caring and have even served 967 pets with food,” Duncan noted.
Conn’s was Meals on Wheels, whose 40 volunteers serve 400 local people.
“It is the gratitude of the people that make it worth it,” she said. “They are not only delivering food, but a sense of care.”
Chafin’s was Special Olympics Unified teams, “Where everyone gets the opportunity to be on and part of a team.”
Princesses earned the following contributions for each of their chosen charities: Heartland Humane – $603; 4-H – $622; Special Olympics Unified Teams – $858; SHEM – $925; Kids Food Packs – $956; and Meals on Wheels – $2,404.
Also during the program, Rebecca Wolthuis was announced as the raffle drawing winner of $700.
