Abby Oliver, River-Cade’s Queen of the River for 2013 and 2014, is the 48th winner of the coveted crown. She answered 20 questions about what the road to the crown is like and how it feels to be queen.
1. How come you were chosen as queen two years in a row?
River-Cade isn’t as profitable as it used to be. They didn’t want to have the contest if they couldn’t guarantee a scholarship.
2. How much is the scholarship worth?
The queen receives a $4,000 scholarship while each of the two princesses receives $2,000.
3. What is the biggest misconception about the River-Cade royalty contest?
A lot of people think this is a beauty pageant, but it’s not. It’s about poise and education.
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4. What are you doing now?
Right now I’m studying to get a paralegal certification along with a bachelor’s degree in legal studies through Bellevue University. I’m also getting married in August. As soon as I give up my crown, I have to give up my last name.
5. What is the best part of being queen?
The crown is obviously a great thing, I love that. The scholarship was really the best thing though. The $4,000 really helped me at Iowa State. That took care of a whole semester for me.
6. What made you change from Iowa State University to Bellevue University?
Well, since I’m engaged, I adjusted my plans for him. This is still working out great though.
7. Do you get to keep the crown?
Yes, that is one thing I get to keep. It’s like a keepsake.
8. Do you have any history with the royalty contest?
Well, my mom was a princess when she was 18 and now my parents are Senior Vice Commodores for River-Cade and they run the royalty contest. That means they would chaperone the candidates and take them around to various places.
9. What did your mom think about you becoming queen since she was a princess?
She was really, really excited. I’m sure both of my parents were very proud of me.
10. How did growing up around the River-Cade royalty impact how you felt about winning the crown?
That’s why it’s such an honor for me to be queen for two years because I grew up with those women as my role models every summer.
11. What does the queen do after she is chosen?
The royalty represents the contest at different events like Riverssance, different parades, the Tulip Festival.
12. Are the other contenders for the crown nice or is there animosity between the queen hopefuls?
It’s very fun. Everyone is very nice.
13. Did you win on your first try or did it take a few years?
I tried out my first year and didn’t win and that was really difficult. But then I won it my second time and held it for two years so it will be very emotional come July.
14. Who were the princesses in your court?
Jaci Dehner and Calla Bathurst.
15. What are your thoughts on this year’s royalty coronation?
I don’t want to jinx it, but my sister is trying out this year. It would be amazing to pass the crown on to her.
16. Where did you go to high school?
I graduated from Sergeant Bluff High in 2011.
17. How will it feel to no longer be queen after two years holding the title?
It will be bittersweet passing it on. I wanted it my whole life and it’ll be hard to let it go.
18. What has been one of your favorite duties as queen?
It’s been so fun and a great experience for me. I’ve loved being able to promote the festival at different events.
19. How has being queen helped you personally?
I think it helped me with confidence.
20. How so?
I don’t really like being center of attention but if you’re at an event with a crown on your head it’s hard not to be.
