Herman crowned Lilac Queen

Another fine woman was crowned on Saturday as Lilac Queen. The 2026 Queen is Neda Herman. The Basin Area Chamber started recognizing women as queens in 2003. The honor of Lilac Queen is not a popularity contest. It is about recognizing women that make a difference in their community. Women who help others behind scenes. Women that show up to help, who take leadership roles, who are involved. Women that have done so for years. 

Herman is a fine example of this. The comments on the nominations forms included recognizing her contributions to 4-H, FFA, PEO, church, schools, sharing her musical talent, providing meals for families, volunteering, and lending helping hands when needed.  Her children Kara and Todd were on hand to see their mom crowned. 

The 2026 Lilac princess is Katelyn Scott. She read a moving essay about the importance of Wyoming’s role in women getting the right to vote. Her parents on Tonya and Joe Scott. She was crowned by former princess Lilliann Otto. Scott will represent Basin in upcoming parades and events. 

Two-year-old Brynlee Brinklow was chosen as the 2026 Lilac Baby. According to her mom Erika, Brynlee is a self-proclaimed princess. Brynlee wowed the judges with her outgoing personality and big smile. Judging the babies and princess contest were former queens Lori Thon, Carmen Olson, Cindy Schlattmann and Victoria Davis. 

Crowds of people enjoyed a free breakfast sponsored by Basin First Baptist. There was a large selection of booths, car show entries, games for kids, and even a horse to pet thanks to the PEO raffle. Big Horn County Fire District Two had a firetruck and gave out goodies to the kids. Bret Savage provided wonderful music. 

Winners of the Gottsche 5k run/walk were in four age categories.  The winner of the 8-14 years old bracket was Caleb Christopherson. For ages 15-18 Kelen Winter took first. Grant Winters was the winner of the 19–30-year-old bracket. Carlos Garay ran the fastest for age group 31 and up. 

The chamber couldn’t have done the event without the sponsors:  Big Horn REA, TCT, Security State Bank, Three Rivers Health, Basin Heritage Initiative and Queen Bee Gardens. Also, Jim with Big Horn County Maintenance who came down on his day off to help with a water issue. Plus, all the volunteers that helped set up including Peggy Danna, Basin Beautification Committee, Big Horn Basin Adolescent Program and countless others.