The Niagara Women’s Club uses the contest as a fundraiser that helps provide two scholarships and money to support other community events. Each vote costs $1 and the public can vote as many times as they want — no problem with stuffing the ballot box.

“I would just like to thank everybody who came out and support the women’s club — if anyone deserves recognition, it’s the women’s club,” LaLiberte said.

“I have tears because I’m going to miss you,” said Anderson, a long-time Niagara School District teacher who plans to retire after the 2026-27 school year to be closer to her children in Tennessee.

“Thanks to the women’s club for giving us this opportunity this past year and Lions Club, Knights and everyone who comes out to volunteer this weekend,” 2025 First Lady Jenny Nickels said.

Members of the 2026 Miss Niagara Court at the Niagara Lions Club Community Picnic on Saturday — from left are Grace Payette, Lexi Johnson, India Varda, Taylor Anderson, 2025 Miss Niagara Elesia Sweig and 2026 Miss Niagara Peyton Neuens-Allred. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)

The new Miss Niagara, Peyton Neuens-Allred, accepted her crown from outgoing Miss Niagara Elesia Sweig. The Niagara Lions Club has sponsored the Miss Niagara Contest since 1968.

Sweig thanked the Lions Club, her family and community. She said she is excited to pass it on to someone who is truly deserving.

“Peyton is thoughtful, ambitious, kind-hearted, compassionate and driven and with all these qualities I know she will represent our community with confidence and pride and I have no doubt she will make the most out of this opportunity,” Sweig said.

Neuens-Allred thanked Sweig for being a role model and for being kind. She also thanked her parents, the Lions Club and the community.

“I have lived in this community my whole life and always loved it. I think coming from a small town is a blessing, as the people in the community become family and are people who will be cheering you on no matter what you do and where you go,” Neuens-Allred said.

From left, India Varda, Taylor Anderson and Elesia Sweig listen as Miss Niagara 2026 Peyton Neuens-Allred reads her speech to the crowd at the Niagara Lions Club Community Picnic on Saturday in Niagara, Wis. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)

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Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.