Cadott’s legacy of royalty is about more than a crown

Returning members of the royal 1976-77 through 2005-06 courts, left to right, are Miss Nabor Days Rachel Danielson-Green (1991 92), Miss Nabor Days Anastasia Goettl (1995-96), Miss Nabor Days Holly Keppert-Jackson (1976-77), Heather Herman (2005-06), Little Miss Nabor Days Princess Stephanie Slocum (2005-06) and Miss Nabor Days Kayla Siddons (2005-06). Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

This July, Cadott’s Nabor Days saw a milestone, in that the royalty program is now in its 70th year. Cadott’s royalty are easily recognized, with shimmering crowns atop the girls’ heads, flowing white ball gowns and black sashes, proudly proclaiming their town. However, it’s more than just the crowns on their heads and the memories made each year. Over the 70 years of the program’s existence, coordinators have seen a lot of growth and commitment from those chosen to represent Cadott.

Once they decide to become part of that royalty legacy, the reigning Little Miss, Junior Miss and Miss Cadotts, sit in the hot sun in a full ball gown, wave in the rain with a smile at parades, volunteer at concessions stands during ballgames, help with the Booya Days pie auction and many other events.

Many times, the candidates started with the Little Miss Cadott age level and continue on, all the way to end, which is the Miss Cadott age level (upperclassmen high school).

“Being a part of the Cadott royalty isn’t just a year, it’s a lifetime,” said Kayla Siddons, current coordinator and Miss Cadott 2005-06.

To show what that lifetime looks like, all Cadott royalty, over the 70 years, was invited to the annual coronation celebration July 25. While not every could make it, the night saw 15 returning royal members, most of whom still sported their crowns.

The returning royals were called on stage, to share their name and what year they were part of the program, much to the audience’s delight and thunderous applause.

That gives hope that the program will continue on strong and remain for another 70 years, as the youth represent what makes Cadott so special.

“It means a lot that we still have this,” said Siddons.

[caption id="attachment_298089" align="alignnone" width="300"] Returning members of the royal 2021-22 and 2022-23 courts, left to right, are Molly York, Junior Miss Cadott Tapenga Ristau, Little Miss Cadott Dallas York, Little Miss Princess Jaden Zell and Little Miss Cadott Abigail Boettcher (2021-22). Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="367"] Returning members of the royal 2023 court, left to right, are Miss Cadott Tessa York, Junior Miss Cadott Madilynn Siddons, 1st Little Miss Cadott Princess Tiana Salzgeber and Little Miss Cadott Lillian Johnson. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]