The 2025 Lanesville Heritage Weekend Princess Contest brought energy and excitement to the 50th anniversary celebration of this treasured community tradition. Emceed by Angie Fenton, the evening honored not only the crowning of a new princess and queen but also the half-century legacy of grace, confidence, and community pride that the pageant has represented.
The program sponsor was Countryside Insurance Agency, owned by co-director and 1986 Heritage Queen Susan Wathen. Countryside, which also celebrates its 50th anniversary soon, provides auto, home, business, and life insurance and was recognized with gratitude for its support.
Judging this year’s princess contest were three former Heritage Queens: Olivia Keenan (2006), a certified professional coder; Madilyn White (2013), a Neuro ICU nurse in Louisville; and Lara (Haug) Kennedy (1982), a longtime math teacher at Fairdale High School. Each brought their unique experiences back to the stage where their own journeys once began.
When the final results were announced, Clara Schickel, age 7, daughter of Janna and Matt Schickel, was crowned the 2025 Lanesville Heritage Princess. The runner-up title went to Violet McCulloch, age 5, daughter of Maegan and Devon McCulloch.
Following the crowning, the audience remained for a special ceremony honoring Lanesville Heritage Weekend Queens from the past 50 years, connecting generations of participants to the tradition’s proud legacy.
