'Grateful' Lilac Queen crowned Saturday in Lombard

The 2019 Lilac Queen coronation was held Saturday at a site overlooking a small pond and surrounded by flowers and sunshine in Lilacia Park in Lombard.

Madison Crowe was crowned to lead a court that included Sydney Wilson, Elaine Wesling, Emily Hansel and Melissa Florey.

Lombard Village President Keith Giagnorio spoke to the crowd and the 2018 queen, Kathleen Gomez, talked about how she enjoyed her time and the many good friends she made on the court.

Crowe, thanking those who support the program, said she had always looked up to the past princesses and thought of them as superheroes.

"The lilac princesses program is more than fancy dresses and beautiful tiaras. It is also about giving back to our community, having a serving heart, and about the importance of education," she said.

"I'm so grateful to have grown as a young woman throughout this experience, and I look forward to continuing to be a positive role model for all of the young girls and potential princesses of our community. … This experience has been wonderful and I will hold on to these memories forever."