STATE CENTER - Growing up, Kelsiann Halbloom always looked up to the Rose Queen.
Now she is the one being adored.
Halbloom, 17, was crowned the 2012 State Center Rose Festival Rose Queen at the coronation ceremony Friday night.
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T-R PHOTO BY ANDREW POTTER
Kelsiann Halbloom, right, was named the 2012 State Center Rose Festival Rose Queen Friday night at the coronation ceremony. Also pictured is the runner-up Kaitlyn Nichols.
"I'm so excited to get out in the community and represent State Center," Halbloom said.
Halbloom won the talent competition Thursday night performing a color guard rifle routine. The contest also included an essay competition won by Kaitlyn Nichols - who was named Rose Queen runner-up Friday.
Halbloom is the daughter of Marc and Andrea Halbloom of State Center and will be a senior this fall at West Marshall High School. She said she has traveled out of the country and always loves coming home to State Center.
"Every time I come back I'm so excited to be home in State Center," she said.
Halbloom was also excited to share the Rose Queen experience with the rest of the contestants and calls Nichols one of her best friends. The other contestants included Kelsey Stringer, Emma Smith and Shelby Tichy.
"They are all great and I'm so excited to be a part of the whole experience," Halbloom said.
The Little Miss Rose Bud, which is randomly selected, went to 6-year-old Savannah Perry of State Center. She is the daughter of Jessica and Aaron Perry and will be in first grade this fall. She will hit the parade circuit along with Halbloom for the next year.
"I think she'll love it," Jessica Perry said. "We're really excited."
The coronation, which is traditionally held in the Rose Garden, was moved indoors to the West Marshall High School auditorium due to rain. Although it wasn't at the ideal setting, State Center Mayor Harlan Quick said the rain was long overdue for area farmers.
"I'm sure we're all very thankful for the rain we are getting tonight," Quick said.
The 54th annual festival continues Saturday and Sunday. The parade will be at 10 a.m. Saturday with fireworks planned for Saturday night.