Pioneer Days Queen
A cherished tradition that honors the spirit of community, leadership, and the rich heritage of our pioneer ancestors
Current Pioneer Days Queen
Allie Kuhlman
Allie Kuhlman was crowned the 2024 Pioneer Days Queen after demonstrating exceptional community engagement and leadership through her successful fundraising efforts for the festival’s “Big Ticket” raffle.
As Pioneer Days Queen, Allie represents the values of community service, leadership, and the pioneer spirit that makes Kalida’s annual festival so special. She serves as an ambassador for our community and leads the grand Sunday parade with pride.
Special Thanks
Special thanks to all the 2024 candidates: Allie Kuhlman, Evelyn Cattell, and Maddie Houck for their dedication in selling the Queen’s Tickets and supporting our beloved Pioneer Days Festival!
A Rich History Since 1962
The Pioneer Days Queen competition began in 1962 when the Putnam County Pioneer Association handed over festival sponsorship to the Kalida Lions Club and Firemen’s Association. As part of the festival’s modernization, a Queen contest was introduced, and Agnes Erhart was crowned the very first Pioneer Days Queen.
A Cherished Tradition
Since 1962, the local Union Bank has donated the Pioneer Queen’s crown every year – a tradition that symbolizes the community’s enduring support for this beloved event.
Notable Milestones:
- 1962: Agnes Erhart becomes the first Pioneer Days Queen
- 1972: Alice Kerner honored as “Centennial Queen” during the 100th anniversary of Pioneer Days
- 2022: Celebrated 150th anniversary as Ohio’s oldest festival
- Present: Over 60 Pioneer Queens crowned since the tradition began
“The Pioneer Days Queen competition has evolved from a small-town pageant into a cornerstone of Kalida’s annual celebration, rich with tradition and memories.”
Past Pioneer Days Queens
Honoring over 60 years of Pioneer Queens who have represented Kalida with grace and pride
1960s
- 1962: Agnes Erhart
- 1963: Ila Elkins
- 1964: Barbara Unverferth
- 1965: Janet Kerner
- 1966: Joyce Siebeneck
- 1967: Angela Vorst
- 1968: Janice Kahle
- 1968: Karen Kerner
- 1969: Bertha Cleemput
1970s
- 1970: Karen Knott
- 1971: Carol Fortman
- 1972: Vicky McKibben (Centennial)
- 1972: Alice Kerner (Centennial)
- 1973: Dianne Fortman
- 1974: Sandy Knott
- 1975: Barb Warnecke
- 1976: Kim Mead
- 1977: Peg Balmas
- 1978: Pam Unverferth
- 1979: Denise Wurth
1980s
- 1980: Lauri Schimmoeller
- 1981: Diane Nussbaum
- 1982: Lyda Averesch
- 1983: Jenny Selhorst
- 1984: Deb Hoffman
- 1985: Kris Wurth
- 1986: Renee Recker
- 1987: Michelle Averesch
- 1988: Cheryl Grote
- 1989: Dawn Kehres
1990s
- 1990: Connie Schulte
- 1991: Nancy Verhoff
- 1992: Shelly Schroeder
- 1993: Kim Woodyard
- 1994: Kerri Rose
- 1995: Keri Miller
- 1996: Dawn Winkle
- 1997: Shelly Merschman
- 1998: Kristen Unverferth
- 1999: Wendy Hanneman
2000s
- 2000: Faye C. Warnecke
- 2001: Renee Merschman
- 2002: Liana Schulte
- 2003: Becky Recker
- 2004: Sara Heitmeyer
- 2005: Alisha Knueve
- 2006: Rachel Knueve
- 2007: Karri Clementz
- 2008: Emily Selhorst
- 2009: Katie Helmke
2010s
- 2010: Samantha Edwards
- 2011: Brooke Schnipke
- 2012: Summer Holtkamp
- 2013: Kiersten Recker
- 2014: Jackie Gardner
- 2015: Britney Kahle
- 2016: Dana Knueve
- 2017: Tori Niese
- 2018: Morgan Mock
- 2019: Kyla Fortman
2020s
- 2020: Dayna Schimmoeller
- 2021: Kenzie Fortman
- 2022: Malie Miller
- 2023: Reagan Gerdeman
- 2024: Allie Kuhlman
Special Recognition
1962: Agnes Erhart – The very first Pioneer Days Queen
1972: Vicky McKibben & Alice Kerner – Centennial Queens (100th anniversary)
2022: Malie Miller – 150th anniversary celebration
Join the Tradition
Are you a high school senior interested in becoming the next Pioneer Days Queen? The competition is based on selling the festival’s “Big Ticket” raffle tickets – the candidate who sells the most tickets is crowned queen! This unique fundraising-based pageant celebrates community involvement and support for our beloved Pioneer Days Festival.
Learn More About the Competition