2023 '89er  QUEEN, CARMYN WELLDEN ​

Past '89er Celebration Royalty

The 2023 '89er Celebration Royalty was selected by a panel of judges consisting of former queens and queen coordinator Carrie Dennis Fryar (1994 Queen). The next four months will be busy for the queen and princess as multiple public appearances will be made including the Chamber Coffee, The Chuck Wagon Feed, and the 2023 '89er Parade.

Introducing Your

2023 Oklahoma '89er Queen and Princess!

Schilling, 16, also will be part of the ceremony. The exchange student from Germany is spending an exchange year here in Guthrie with Carrie and Kraig Fryar while attending Guthrie High. Schilling is involved in cheerleading and FCCLA. 

 For the past two years, she has helped produce two fundraising videos for an organization that helps kids with cancer by moderating, playing music and editing the video. 

Schilling is an International Exchange Ambassador, where she helps bring cultures together. In her time in Guthrie, she has already competed in horse shows and helped with the city's Victorian Christmas Celebration. 

In her free time, Schilling loves to spend time at the barn. Horses have always been a big part in her life, so to go horseback riding or just sharing time with them provides her with relaxing moments, as well as spending time with Snoopy, the family dog.

“I can´t say how thankful and honored I am to be part of this amazing celebration," Schilling said. "For me, Guthrie is my second home and I can´t wait to get more involved into the community. I´m looking forward to getting to meet you all!"

Wellden and Schilling will be leading the parade, just part of their many appearances in the next couple of months. 

2023 '89er  PRINCESS, ANTONIA SCHILLING

Carmyn Wellden has raised pigs, marched in bands, studied veterinary medicine and even takes care of her two horses.

Now, the 2022 Guthrie High graduate is part of Oklahoma royalty, going from farm to fame after being named the queen for the 94th annual 89er Days Celebration. Antonia Schilling will be the princess.

The annual 89er Days Celebration commemorates the Land Run of 1889 and the birth of Guthrie. This year's festivities take place April 19-22, capped by Saturday's parade through downtown, a tradition that brings the community together.

Wellden will be bringing in some additional tradition of her own. When she was 5 years old, in 2009, her sister, Chaisey, served as the queen for the 89er Days ceremonies, making this year's event especially important for the longtime Guthrie resident.

Currently living in Tecumseh, Wellden is an equine veterinary assistant and a ranch hand while working for Noble Equine. While in school, she was active in the Future Farmers of America, and the GHS marching band, concert band and jazz band.

“Thank you all so much for this amazing and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent this special celebration and our community!" she said. "I can't wait to meet all of you and see your smiling faces. My promise is to represent the 89er Celebration and Guthrie to the absolute best of my abilities!"

Wellden followed her brother, Garret, in 4-H and FFA with raising and showing pigs in various competitions. While in the FFA, she served as the sentinel, secretary and vice president. She competed with the opening ceremonies team, and took part in food science, vet science, agricultural communications, milk quality evaluation, State Fair horticulture projects, and speech and public speaking.

She also has been involved in various aspects of rodeo productions, working with Wrangler on several projects. Wellden completed and received her FFA State Degree in 2022. 

She spends her spare time with her horses, Katie and Brian; her dogs, Dixie and Bear; and her cat, Megara.