Lacey Toews has been crowned 2025 Manitoba Sunflower Festival Queen. She was selected by a panel of three judges, with the announcement coming at the conclusion of the Saturday night stage show in Altona Centennial Park.
"It feels insane," said Toews moments after hearing her named called in front of a very large crowd in attendance last night. "I can't believe I'm here. I can't believe I'm doing this. I'm so happy now."
When her name was called, her surprise and excitement were very evident.
"I was just thinking about the other girls, and they all deserve it so much too," she said. "I will do my best to support this town and to be their Queen."
Claribelle Thiessen was named 1st Princess and Alexia Loewen was named 2nd Princess. Thiessen was also selected as Miss Congeniality for this year.
A dream that began years ago
"It all started when I was really young," said Toews on why she chose to be part of the Queen Quest. "I always looked up to the Princesses and the Queens, and I've always just wanted to be just like them. Me and Claire, we decided to do it together, and that's why we're here."
Toews graduated high school from Altona's W.C. Miller Collegiate in 2023, and is currently working as an educational assistant at Ecole West Park School. She reflected on what it meant to have those two years of growth before participating in the Queen Quest.
"I spent those two summers at camp instead, and that definitely helped me with my growth and just the way I've matured, so I don't think I'd be here without camping and those two years."
Toews served as a Bible camp counsellor during the Summers of 2023 and 2024.
Many favourite moments to cherish and more to come
"Just dancing with the girls, and the fashion show (practices) every every week were so good," said Toews when asked what her favourite part of the Queen Quest experience was. "And just getting to know the girls everyday, getting to know them more and more is so good, and meeting the Aussies. I love them."
2025 Central Highlands Easter Sunflower Festival Queen Jessica Mitchell and 2025 Central Highlands Easter Sunflower Festival First Princess Hannah Ryan were part of the festivities this week, hailing from Altona's sister city of Emerald, Australia. Since 1983, the two communities have had an exchange of respective Sunflower Festival royalty participating in the other's festival. Toews will continue that tradition in 2026 when she travels to Emerald to participate in their Festival.
"I'm so excited to meet the new people in Emerald, and to see Australia and be on the other side of the world," she said with a smile. "I've never been so far away from home before and I'm so excited."
And her advice for the young women considering participating in the 2026 Manitoba Sunflower Festival Queen Quest?
"Just have fun," she said. "I don't think I've had more fun in my life. It's such a good experience. Just have fun. Enjoy yourself."
