By Mike Burkholder

NEW BREMEN — The annual Bremenfest celebration kicked off Friday, with food, fellowship and royalty.

"This is a really special occasion," New Bremen Mayor Jeff Pape said of the opening ceremony. "I am sure our ancestors would be proud of it."
In conjunction with Bremenfest, the village is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. Pape said the annual festival should be a time when residents can come together and be proud of the village.
"I'm proud to represent council and thankful for the Bremenfest Committee," Pape said. "They worked hard."
Pape also was on stage when Becky Niekamp was crowned the 2008 Bremenfest Queen. Niekamp, 17, the daughter of Joe and Caryn Niekamp, said she was shocked to earn the crown.
"It feels good," Niekamp told The Evening Leader. "All of the girls did really well."
Niekamp also said she is excited about riding in the Bremenfest parade Sunday.
"I have a really nice car," Niekamp said.
Alicia Sprague, 17, the daughter of Brian and Diana Sprague, was named first-runner up and LeAnn Topp, 17, the daughter of Gene and Ellen Topp, was named second-runner up. Niekamp took home a $1,000 scholarship, Sprague a $500 scholarship and Topp $250.
Emma Keller, 5, the daughter of Chris and Becky Keller, was crowned the 2008 Little Miss Bremenfest winner. Keller said she was excited to stand on stage and have her name called as the winner.
"I like it," Keller said of winning. "I am excited about riding in the parade."
Grace Wilker, 5, daughter of Tom and Amy Wilker, was named first-runner up and Janelle Hagan, 4, daughter of Peter and Debbie Hagan, was named second-runner up.
Keller took home a crown, sash, award plaque, gift bag, flowers and a $50 savings bond. Wilker and Hagan each took home prizes as well, including a sash and crown. Each of the girls in the pageant went home with prizes for their hard work.
Fireworks closed out the festivities Friday night at Bremenfest but the festival continued with a chili cookof, cheerleading competition and mud volleyball on Saturday. The Bremenfest Parade on Sunday featured the pageant winners as well as marching bands from Marion Local, Minster, Fort Loramie, and New Bremen High Schools.