RIVER FALLS – On July 15, new royal ambassadors received their crowns for the 2021-22 year to represent the City of River Falls. Some of the responsibilities during the year of reign include making appearances in parades, city coronations and actively volunteering in the River Falls community.

During the coronation, the candidates go through a panel interview, submit an essay, answer an unknown on-stage question, perform a talent and more, each worth different percentages toward their total score when competing to be on the royal ambassador’s court.

Some of the talent at this year’s coronation included baking, dancing, forensics and performing various instruments. The winners and program are sponsored by local businesses, and this is how they can participate in many activities during their year of reign. Some of the top sponsors are the City of River Falls, River Falls Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau and the Lion’s Club.

For the 2021–2022-year, Madison Ziebarth will serve as the Grand Royal Ambassador, Lillie McMurray as First Royal Ambassador, and Gwen Adams and Katie Olsen as Royal Ambassadors. The newly crowned royalty made their first appearances during the weekend of River Falls Days.

Other awards are also given during the coronation, such as highest ticket sales and the congeniality award which the contestants vote on directly. This year’s winner for most congenial was Katie Olsen.

The 2020 royal ambassadors passed along their crowns and responsibilities after a difficult year during the pandemic. The ambassadors still were able to have an in-person coronation last year outdoors, visited several businesses in the River Falls area, performed in parades and attended coronations in other surrounding cities despite the global pandemic.

The 2020-2021 ambassadors all received scholarships to the colleges of their choice. The two Royal Ambassadors Maddy Simon and Abby Madsen received $800, First Royal Ambassador Dennis Grisar received $900 and Grand Royal Ambassador Emily Odegard received $1,000.

Applications for the River Falls Royal Ambassador program are available to students entering their junior or senior years of high school. The application process begins in February; for more information contact [email protected] or visit the Facebook page River Falls Royal Ambassadors.

Photo by Melissa Thorud

Photo by Melissa Thorud

Photo by Melissa Thorud

The 2020-21 royalty after crowning the new royal court on Thursday, July 15 at River Falls High School. From left: Maddy Simon, Abby Madsen and Emily Odegard.

Madison Ziebarth is delighted when she is crowned the 202122 River Falls Grand Royal Ambassador on Thursday, July 15 at River Falls High School auditorium.