By Alec Keller / Photos by Mark Andreasen

The rain held off for the Festival Queen crowning at the 40th annual Ada Harvest and Herb Festival on September 19. Ten high school seniors were selected to be part of the 2026 royalty court, with past festival queens also attending in recognition of the event anniversary.

Kenley Poling was crowned as the new festival queen by 2025 queen Harvest and Herb Queen Emma Lambdin.

2026 ROYALTY COURT
Alana Hastings, Rylie Satterfield, Chloe Hunsicker, Kaitlyn Lambert, Brooklyn Andreasen, Kenley Poling, Jaylin St. Laurent, Gabbie Fleming, Sophie Fleming and Taliana Parker.

Contestants wrote three essays and were individually interviewed by a pageant committee. Taylor Osbun, judge and chairperson for the Harvest and Herb royalty court, said the experience pushed some candidates outside of their comfort zones. She commended them for their faith, strength, courage and determination.

In addition to the crowning, the committee awarded an additional honor for the best essay with an additional monetary gift sponsored by an anonymous supporter of the contest. That honor was also given to senior Kenley Poling.

The ceremony was held at the Depot Park on Saturday, with the contestants appearing in front of the red Pennsylvania Railroad caboose. The girls wore decorative Harvest and Herb sashes and were presented with fall-themed floral arm bouquets as well as gift bags provided by local businesses.

Mike and Marie Gossman were thanked for decorating the float and escorting the contestants in the 10:00 a.m. parade.

In addition to Osbun, judges for the contest were E. Lynn Knoble, Patty Devier, Grace Thaxton and David Dellifield

The contest was made possible by the following donors:

• Ada Area Chamber of Commerce
• Artistic Creations
• Carol Slane Florist
• Community Market
• El Campo
• Hanson Neely Allison Funeral and Cremation Services
• Jalapenos
• The Mezza
• Ohio Northern University, Office of Alumni
• Ohio Northern University, Office of the President
• Padrone’s
• Quest Federal Credit Union
• Tavern 101
• Truly Rooted