There are so many different queens and princesses all over the country, but especially in Wisconsin. We have Rodeo Queens and Princesses, Fairest of the Fairs, Honey Queens, we even have a Kraut Fest Queen! I’m not kidding, it’s a thing.
This time around we are talking about Alice in Dairyland. I got the chance to sit and talk with Kaitlyn Riley, she’s the 71st annual Alice in Dairyland. Sadly, her time as Alice is almost up and it’s time to pass the crown.
Riley said that they have it narrowed down and that the girls that are in the running were notified. But, she did say that she’s not allowed to tell us how many girls are left. The worst part is that those girls aren’t allowed to tell anyone either, besides their families and employers.
It was cool to talk with her because she gave a behind the scenes look at the whole process of becoming Alice and how they choose. Riley said that during the competition they’re looking for someone with a communications background or something related to that. All in all, she said that this is really a marketing position. I think that is something that people don’t understand.
She also mentioned how they really prefer someone who can start the job ASAP and doesn’t have anything holding them back. This is a full time position and you have to be 21 to be considered. So basically, this is a good job for someone who just graduated college and wants to make connections in the agriculture industry to realize what other opportunities are out there as far as ag goes.
Overall, I think people assume the girls in these positions are just showing up at fairs and different breakfast on the farms wearing their crown and taking pictures with kids. I learned pretty fast that that is NOT what happens. Riley told me that she is in charge of all of the social media and that she has already attended 300 events during her term as Alice. So saying that she’s busy is an understatement.
She also realizes that her term is almost up and that it’s now time to start thinking about what’s next. I wish her the best of luck in whatever she decides to do next! I can personally say that she’s a super nice person and it’s not just an act like some people. To hear all about Kaitlyn Riley’s plans for after Alice along with her insight on the selection process of Alice, check out the full interview
here
!
