2020 Queen and King reign despite canceled festival
KINGWOOD— Being Queen Ceres was Gabrielle Ann Wolfe’s dream since eighth grade.
That dream came true this year when she was named Queen Ceres 2020.
“She’s wanted to be Queen Ceres since she was a junior princess in eighth grade,” her mother, Beth Ann Wolfe said. “We are very excited about it.”
The queen is the daughter of Gary and Beth Ann Wolfe of Terra Alta.
King Buckwheat 2020 Ryan Foster Wilson said being king during the pandemic is unique. This is the first year since World War II that the Buckwheat Festival has been cancelled.
The festival would have been Sept. 24-37, 2020.
“It hasn’t been too bad for the most part,” he said about the cancellations of parades and activities due to COVID-19. “Buddy Turner (Buckwheat Festival Chairman) and his wife Tina are doing what they can do to make our experience a good one.”
Wilson is the son of Bob and Carrie Wilson of Gladesville.
Wolfe said so far the Kingwood Christmas Parade, unless canceled, will be the only parade she and Wilson will have as representatives of Preston County.
Wilson said he and Wolfe have had dinner with the Kingwood Rotary Club, the Kingwood Women’s Civic Club and a few sororities.
“We want to try to visit every town in Preston County and be ambassadors for the next Buckwheat Festival,” he said.
Wolfe said after graduation she wants to attend WVU and go on to study veterinary medicine. She wants to specialize in small animals.
“I haven’t chosen a college yet, but I want to get a degree in biology and go on to medical school and be a radiologist,” Wilson said.
Wolfe is currently a member of the high school band and concert band.
“I am in FFA (Future Farmers of America). I raised rabbits for a while and worked at the slaughter house for a while.”
Beth Ann Wolfe said since her daughter was selected Queen Ceres 2020 they have met some very nice people who have been supportive.
“The Buckwheat Festival has always been important to me. I’d love to represent the county that has represented me,” Wolfe said. “I would like to have a coronation. Hopefully spring will bring on more opportunities. ”
When asked what advice she would have for future Queen Ceres, Wolfe said due to COVID-19 this year required a lot of last minute planning.
“I’d say be patient and enjoy every moment while you can,” she said.
Wilson agreed.
“My advice would be just enjoy what you can when you can,” he said. “It’s an honor to represent the county and to make my family and friends proud. I’m just waiting to see what the future holds.”
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