The rain seemed to deter some from the opening ceremonies of the 50th annual Seymour Oktoberfest.

Nothing, however, could dampen the smile of 8-year-old Abigail Wiese after winning the 2023 Oktoberfest princess contest.

“I want to thank all the contestants and their parents who worked really hard on this,” said Beth White of the Beta Kappa Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority. “These three little girls did a fabulous job this year with how much money they raised.”

The winner was decided by who raised the most money.

Family and community members proudly stood in the pouring rain Thursday to hear the winner of this year’s contest.

Wiese, daughter of Christina Wiese and Hank Linville, raised a little more than $3,000 that will all being going back to the community.

The winner received a bicycle provided by the sorority and a bag full of prizes.

White thanked the sponsors who donated to the prize bags, including Walmart, Old National Bank, Subway, Dr. Jeff Pumphrey, Culver’s, Kenna White of Berkshire Hathaway and chapter members.

“We really appreciate the community for the longstanding support,” White said.

Last year, the chapter donated money to Jackson County United Way, Community Provisions of Jackson County, Anchor House Family Assistance Center and Pantry, The Arc of Jackson County, Special Olympics Indiana Jackson County, Su Casa, Turning Point Domestic Violence Services, Anna’s Celebration of Life Foundation, Easterseals and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“All of those organizations received money from the funds that were raised last year,” she said. “We like to dedicate works that we do for kids with disabilities and people that are less fortunate and try to help them out the best we can.”

After last year’s princess, Lela Stout, placed the crown on Wiese’s head, she bounced ecstatically, gawking at her new pink bike.

Wiese was asked what she would change about Seymour since she is now a princess.

Wiese said her first order of business would be to outlaw bears from ever stepping foot in Seymour, as she is not a big fan of bears.

After the celebration, her majesty said she is excited to celebrate with some pizza at the Oktoberfest.

Mayor Matt Nicholson also announced the winners of the window decorating contest.

In third place was Unleashed Oasis Pet Grooming with a ghostly dog painted by the Trinity Lutheran High School Art Club, in second place was Popsey’s Electric Tattooing Co. with a Ferris wheel and a festive skeleton and in first place was Youniquely You Tattoo with an interactive festive German portrait.

Stacy Lucas, owner of Youniquely You Tattoo, said it took her three days to create the window painting, and she used wet chalk to make the design.

“With it being the 50th anniversary, I obviously wanted it to be something festive and also something people could interact with,” she said. “When people stopped by the shop, they could put their face up against the window and get their picture taken.”

Even though the forecast started a little gloomy, the rest of the Oktoberfest is looking up with decent weather through the rest of the festival.