A dream she’s held since winning the princess in 2012, Inverell’s newest Sapphire City Festival queen Gaby Watkins was shaking when she received her crown on Saturday.
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“As soon as I got up to make a speech I was just lost for words. It didn’t feel like reality,” she said.
“It was really exciting. It was kind of a relief. I could relax now, but as soon as I sat back down I was still shaking.”
While disappointed to see the parade cancelled due to the wet weather, Gaby was pleased to see the rest of the night go ahead at the Town Hall.
Along with committee member Margaret Payne, Gaby hopes to use her title to expand the competition for future years.
“We really want to get it more into the community,” she said. “This year we didn’t have any princess or junior princess entrants, and it’s really disappointing. I loved doing it when I was younger, and that’s what has made me want to do the queen.”
She hopes to visit local schools and events to enthuse potential entrants.
Naomi Shumack
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
Born and bred in Inverell, I'm passionate about community journalism. I'm the youngest of five kids, am a book worm and have a ridiculous movie collection. I have a double degree in Communications and International Studies from the University of Wollongong. I write stories for the Inverell Times, Moree Champion and Goondiwindi Argus. You can contact me at naomi.shumack@fairfaxmedia.com.au or on 0438 606 351.
