Siblings earn crowns

Brother and sister Christian and Callahan Wiedenhoeft were crowned “Mini-King” and “Mini-Queen” respectively Friday during the annual Downtown BIA’s “Mall Days,” in conjunction with “Fun in the Sun” activities.
For the “Mini-King” contest, six boys, ages four to seven, stood up on the “stage” in front of the museum with their eyes on the prizes—a crown, cape, sash, water gun, and a chance to be in the Canada Day Parade as royalty.
Melissa Gushulak, the organizer of the “Mini-King” event, had each contestant answer questions about himself and then gave them the opportunity to show off a skill or talent if they chose to do so.
While all six boys gave it their all and did a really great job, four-year-old Christian Wiedenhoeft out-shined them all with clear answers and an adorable showing of his favourite dance move—“the snap-and-wiggle”—or as he sometimes likes to call it, the “rock-and-roll dance.”
He had learned that specific dance move from a band that he had watched last year at “Mall Days” and with his rendition of the move, he stole the hearts of the judges and was awarded with the crown.
Earlier that same day, with much modesty, Christian said to his mother, Nikki Wiedenhoeft, “Mommy, it’s okay if I don’t win because a lot of other kids have to try at winning, too.”
However, after the crowning, Christian was reduced to a giggling king, very happy and unable to contain his surprise and joy.
“It’s just so great. It’s his birthday tomorrow (June 28) and normally this kind of thing happens to his sister (Callahan) not him —so this is just wonderful,” Nikki enthused through tears of joy.
Her daughter, Callahan also took part in the “Mini-Queen” competition just minutes after her brother’s crowning and she went in understanding that because he had already won, she may not. After all, that would just be too lucky if they were both crowned in one day.
Callahan took to the stage and answered her questions with ease and charm when she proudly claimed, “I like to go to Rainycrest and talk with the old people.” The rest was history.
Not more than twenty minutes later, Callahan wowed the judges as well and was crowned as “Mini-Queen.”
“It’s too funny. I can’t believe it,” exclaimed the children’s “Nana.” “Brother and sister—isn’t that cute.”
“I’m very surprised and very proud,” said Chris Wiedenhoeft, Christian and Callahan’s father.
Both Christian and Callahan were most excited about being able to ride on a float in the Canada Day Parade and wave to all of the people.
They both appeared on the “Fun in the Sun” royalty float in the parade, wearing their crowns, sashes and smiles.