When we decided to become a sponsor of Water Carnival Queen Candidates a few years ago, we made the commitment to make it much more than a monetary sponsorship. Each year, our team makes sure we meet and get to know our candidate as much as a possible. When time allows we go out for lunch, enjoy ice cream, or gather to get to know each other better. Vivid Image staff is involved in various ways throughout Water Carnival, but we also make a point to attend as many events as possible to encourage our candidate and cheer for her. We take pictures together, show support on social media, and always gift her with a personal hashtag.
Princess Loraina
One of the neatest parts of sponsoring a queen candidate, is continuing the relationship in the years following Water Carnival. We take delight in watching their futures unfold. Today we caught up with our candidate last year, Loraina Tillman, who was crowned Hutchinson Princess. Miss Hutchinson, Bailey Sanken joined her at Vivid Image this morning to chat about their past year and what they’ve learned.
Loraina and Bailey shared that even though so many other towns have similar royalty programs, they all vary greatly. Some towns are much more rigid in their royalty expectations and requirements, which made them both thankful for the wonderful, less rigid program in Hutchinson. They both agreed that one of the biggest surprises (and blessings) is how they’ve become so close with the Commodore and Vice-Commodore families.
Loraina is involved in the Hutchinson community through HAY Ministries, as well as Current youth through Riverside Assembly of God Church. She is excited to graduate from Bemidji State University with a degree in Sociology. She is looking forward to graduating and starting her life and work in youth ministries.
In terms of what she’s looking forward to the most this weekend, Loraina says “the parade on Sunday. Bailey chimed in, “We’ve had a great year, and I’ve been blessed to have Loraina by my side.”
Queen Candidate Ashley
Later in the day, our current candidate, Ashley Hartsuiker stopped by for a quick visit and tour. We were able to send her off on her whirlwind set of events with our best wishes and excitement for her. #AshleyRocks
