Briley Dicks crowned the 2022 Persimmon Festival Queen

MITCHELL – Briley Dicks, daughter of Clarissa Miller and David Dicks, was crowned the 2022 Persimmon Festival Queen Monday night. She will reign over this year’s festival.

2022 Persimmon Festival Queen, Briley Dicks

Briley didn’t have a guess as to who could win this year’s pageant, feeling that every girl was deserving of the title, leaving her surprised, but grateful.

2021 Persimmon Festival Queen, Rylan Simpson, helping place the crown on 2022 Persimmon Festival Queen, Briley Dicks

“I was so surprised and grateful, and winning will allow me to represent everyone,” said Briley. “I am so proud of all of the other girls. For all of the little girls who are wanting to participate in the Queen Contest just go for it! They can come talk to me and ask me any questions whenever they want, not just this year, but forever.”

Lilly Russell earned double titles this year. She was named Miss Congeniality and a Princess for this year’s Queen contest and has been involved with the Persimmon pageants for as long as she can remember, winning Queen in the 7th grade. Her advice for all of the little girls out there, wanting to compete is simple, go for it.

2022 Persimmon Festival Miss Congeniality, Lilly Russell

“I strive to be nice, it’s my favorite thing to make someone smile, and it kind of stinks to be around a mean person, so I want to be as nice as can be,” said Lilly. “Going into every practice with a great attitude, and having fun makes it so much better. And for all of the little ones out there who want to start competing, go for it, it is so much fun!”

The 2022 Persimmon Festival Queen’s Court. From left: Kaylee McPherson, Kathryn Sykes, Lilly Russell, Madison Smith, Angeleigh Asbury, Felicity Rutan, and Queen Briley Dicks

Some of the Princesses were even able to meet up with Mitchell native D.J. Watson before his performance during the 2022 Persimmon Idol in his Elvis Presley attire.

Lilly Russell, Felicity Rutan, and Kathryn Sykes, with D.J. Watson

The 2022 Persimmon Festival Queen’s Court includes:

  • Miss Congeniality and Princess – Lilly Russell
  • Princess – Kaylee McPherson
  • Princess – Kathryn Sykes
  • Princess – Madison Smith
  • Princess – Angeleigh Asbury
  • Princess – Felicity Rutan

Congratulations to all of the girls who competed in this year’s contest.