BLOG: Giving Back to Our Community and Neighbors

Hello everyone!

I hope everyone is staying warm!  This is Elle Gilbert again! It’s been a while since I last wrote a blog, so it is about time I catch you up on some amazing things the Eagan Funfest Ambassadors have been doing.

On Saturday, Dec. 22, the Ambassadors and I rang the bell for the Salvation Army at Cub Foods in Eagan. We decided it would be really fun for the Ambassadors and their parents to get together for a Christmas brunch before we headed off for bell ringing. We enjoyed eating and visiting with each other. Of course, the parents who in a few short months have gotten to be really good friends, were laughing and having as good of time as the Ambassadors. Not knowing we all had the same idea, the Ambassadors brought gifts to give each other that represented our royal sisterhood. Some of the gifts included a crown Christmas tree ornament, a crown-themed charm bracelet, a crown necklace, and matching scarves with “2012 Eagan Funfest Ambassador” and our names embroidered on them. These gifts will be treasured and will forever hold special memories of our royal year together.

Once we finished our brunch, we headed off to ring the bells on that cold and bright afternoon. We decided to liven things up by singing and dancing to Christmas songs while ringing the bell.  We even managed to sneak in a little group Gangnam Style dance to Jingle Bells. It was fun to see the smiles on shoppers as they came in and out of the store. We had such a fun time!

On Saturday, Jan. 26, a few of the Ambassadors, including me, walked in the Winter Carnival Parade. We each got to hold a ten-pound artificial snowflake, and even chanted out “Winter Carnival Celebration 2013! Hail Boreas!” King Boreas is a part of the Winter Carnival Royal Family. This tradition dates back to 1886, when the first King Boreas was crowned at the first Winter Carnival. The Carnival holds a special place in the Eagan Community’s heart. Our Miss Eagan Queen 2009, Kelli Hovland, was crowned the Winter Carnival’s South Wind Princess in 2011. I don’t know how Kelli does it every year, because that parade was COLD! But it was worth it seeing all of the faces in the crowd who were excited for the Winter Carnival activities.

I enjoy all the different volunteer service opportunities being an Eagan Funfest Ambassador provides. Before I was an Ambassador, I didn’t know these opportunities existed. They have opened my eyes on what I can do to help the community, and neighboring communities as well. I am honored to stand next to the other Ambassadors and volunteer in the community that offers us so much.  It is a pleasure to meet so many citizens of Eagan. It is the most rewarding feeling to watch a little child’s face light up simply because I smiled or waved at them.

The summer is a very busy coronation season for many communities. June through October consists of numerous parades, coronations, and volunteer activities. It is exciting to bond and spend time with not only my Eagan Ambassador sisters, but fellow royalty as well!  I look forward to being able to take off all of the winter layers and wear our fun dresses again for hot, sunny, parade days! 

I cannot believe it has been over half a year since I was crowned. It is sad to think there are only a few more months left.  But I am excited to see what else this year has in store for me. The next Eagan Funfest Ambassadors will be crowned in July, when I will pass down my reign to another deserving girl or guy.  They will be amazed at all the fun and exciting opportunities coming their way. It is an indescribable feeling when I get to put my crown and sash on and represent Eagan's Funfest celebration. I never would have thought I would be in this position – being an Eagan Funfest Ambassador. I am so honored and humbled to be able to support the community and be a part of the Eagan Funfest Ambassador Program. 

It’s time for me to wrap things up for now. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog!

Sincerely,

Elle Gilbert

Eagan Funfest Ambassador 2012-2013