HALLOWEEN MAGAZINE www. abcnewspapers. com October 22, 2025 | Anoka County Shopper | Page 15
Farewell 2025 Anoka Royal Ambassadors
AVA LEBLANC
Sponsor: MN Girl
Over the past year, I’ ve had the honor of serving as an Anoka Halloween Royal Ambassador, and I am truly grateful for the experience. This journey has helped me grow in many ways— enhancing my public speaking, interview, and communication skills. Most importantly, it has shown me the incredible strength and warmth in our community. If you had asked me a year ago what“ home” meant, I’ m not sure I could have answered. But through the Anoka Halloween Royal Ambassador Program and the unwavering support of my crown sisters, I’ ve come to understand that home is more than just a place— it’ s where you feel safe, loved, and welcomed. The community of Anoka has been incredibly welcoming this past year, generously providing us with countless volunteer opportunities and sharing the rich history of how Anoka became the Halloween Capital of the World. Throughout our reign, we’ ve gained a deep appreciation for the many moving parts that make this festival possible— from the dedicated efforts of the Anoka Halloween board and committee to the incredible volunteers who give so much of their time and heart to this celebration. The volunteers, chaperones, and sponsors of the Anoka Halloween Royal Ambassador Program are truly the backbone of what makes this experience so impactful. Their support has made this year unforgettable. I’ ve learned what it means to serve with love and purpose from those who give so selflessly— not for recognition, but simply because they believe in this program and want to see it thrive for generations to come. I’ m especially grateful to my sponsor, MN Girl, whose generosity made both my candidacy and this incredible year possible. It has been an honor to represent them and the values they stand for. Over the past year, we’ ve had the joy of visiting many other communities and celebrating their festivals. Along the way, I’ ve formed amazing friendships with women I never would have met if it weren’ t for this program. But the two most meaningful friendships I’ ve gained are with my crown sisters, Sydney and Berit. They have shown me what true friendship looks like. The bond we share is beyond words— if I could take only one thing from this experience, it wouldn’ t be the crown or any material memento, but the memories and connection I’ ve built with them. Finally, I want to thank last year’ s selection panel for seeing something in me that I hadn’ t yet seen in myself. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to serve as an ambassador. Though it’ s bittersweet to close this chapter, I’ m filled with excitement for what lies ahead— for both myself and the incredible 2026 candidates.
BERIT ALLEN
Sponsor: Lewis Sports Foundation
Getting the opportunity to be an Anoka Halloween Royal Ambassador has been my dream from a very young age. As a young woman who was fortunate enough to grow up around the Ambassador program I’ ve gotten to see that this is more than just a crown and a sash. This is the ability to form bonds with other communities, give back to a city that gives to you, and create lasting relationships with countless amounts of people. At the heart of this experience, it is the passion, dedication, comradery, empathy, and volunteering that makes it possible for three young women to get the chance to serve as an Anoka Ambassador. I am proud to be one of those lucky young women. The true essence of any crown lies not in its material value or ornate design, but in the authenticity it represents. It’ s about embracing the individuality, quirks, and setting yourself apart by being someone that no one else can replicate. When Sydney, Ava, and I traveled to other festivals, we made it a goal to be the group others could come to about anything. Many times, we found ourselves in a position where we had to say goodbye to others, but because of how strongly we connected, we would talk until the very last second. This was all because of our roots, which are our communities. We would talk all about how Anoka got its title of,“ The Halloween Capital of the World,” and they would tell us all about the beautiful history of their city. I’ m so grateful the Halloween Board, Committee, and Anoka Halloween Royal Ambassador Program Leadership Team have continued to put forth their trust in me, Sydney and Ava. This program and all their volunteers have helped me realize that the most sparkly thing about myself is the genuine comfort and joy I feel by just being me. There are not enough words in this world to express the gratitude I have for Sydney, Ava, my family, and their families. At coronation, when they called my name, I knew I had gained two new best friends, but I didn’ t know I gained two new sisters and families. The hard work and dedication that the families go through for us does not go unnoticed. Putting up the float for every parade brought everyone together and I loved being able to see how our families work together. Sydney and Ava have been the brightest lights in my life not just because of all the laughs and smiles, but because they’ ve treated me with unwavering kindness and acceptance, making me feel seen and valued for who I truly am. None of this would have been possible without my sponsor, the Lewis Sports Foundation. I greatly value our relationship, your support, and the opportunity to represent such an incredible organization. This role was transformative, shaping my understanding of community, leadership, and self. Saying goodbye isn’ t an ending, but a transition where the lessons and connections guide me into my next path of life. It’ s bittersweet but I know that Anoka’ s Halloween spirit will stay with me forever.