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Washington Evening Journal
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Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Locals reign as Old Thresher Reunion’s 2023 Miss Sweet 16 court
Three Mt. Pleasant residents and one Salem resident take the 2023 Miss Sweet 16 titles
MT. PLEASANT — Volunteers are crucial to making Old Threshers Reunion happen every year in Mt. Pleasant, and the Miss Sweet 16 candidates are a staple of this group.
This year three of the four Miss Sweet 16 titleholders crowned live right in Mt. Pleasant.
Josie Gilmore won the title of 2023 Miss Sweet 16.
Gilmore keeps busy cheering for football and basketball games, competing for cheerleading, dancing on the dance team, marching with the band in color guard, singing in show choir and track.
She said that she grew up watching Miss Sweet 16 being crowned, and being crowed herself was a dream come true.
The title of First Runner-up went to the music, theater and book loving, Natalie McCormick.
Volunteering for Old Threshers is part of McCormick’s DNA.
Every year she volunteers at St. Al’s food tent and the log village.
Addison Bentler, of Salem, took home second runner-up and the final Mt. Pleasant local court member, Megan Borders happily accepted the title of Miss Volunteer.
As seen in photos on social media, Bentler, McCormick, and Gilmore were thick as thieves throughout the reunion before and after coronation.
The smiling girls dressed in historic clothing are seen at the Harvest Parade, Carousel, Paul Anderson Building, and all throughout the grounds.
The beautiful dresses are meant to be in the style of the late 1800 to early 1900s of women who worked on Midwest farms.
Each contestant volunteers throughout the grounds assisting guests, answering questions, and helping out in many of the nonprofit booths.
Winners are determined through their volunteerism, presentation with an interview, knowledge of Old Threshers, and their hospitality.
Their presentations consist of information they obtain from interviewing a steam engine owner on why they love and operate a steam engine.
Now that the new court has been crowned, they have specific responsibilities in the upcoming year.
Miss Sweet 16 and runners-up will represent Midwest Old Threshers at local parades, events, dinner meetings, club dinners, and other public affairs.
They will represent the reunion at the 2023 Iowa State Fair, and attend next year’s Miss Sweet 16 programs.
For Gilmore, McCormick, Bentler, and Borders, the fun has just begun.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
The 2023 Midwest Old Thresher Reunion Sweet 16 court sit, all smiles, on a porch swing near the carousel in their 1800-1900s dresses. Pictured from left: Second Runner-up Addison Bentler, First Runner-up Natalie McCormick, Miss Sweet 16 Josie Gilmore, and Miss Volunteer Megan Borders. (Photo Submitted)
The 2022 Miss Sweet 16 Court begin to wrap up their reign with the Harvest Day parade along with the incoming 2023 court candidates. 2023 Court First Runner-up Natalie McCormick smiles and waves as she rides through the parade route. (Photo Submitted)
Contestant Miranda Ridinger of Mt. Pleasant paired a bright red and white polka dot dress with a brilliant smile as she participated in the parade. (Photo Submitted)
Not all of the contestants were nearly as local as the crowned court. Kaylin Heims of Anamosa participated in the contest for the 2023 court, but was not crowned. The experience still evoked smiles from her throughout the reunion. (Photo Submitted)
2023 Miss Volunteer Megan Borders spread joy from the beginning of the Old Threshers activities. Here she tests the spinning ability of her historic dress. (Photo Submitted)
