When Diana Holden heads to Germany later this year it will be one of many happy returns.
The 34 year-old North Naples woman won the Ms. Oktoberfest pageant in Cape Coral Saturday, winning among other prizes a trip to Germany, where she grew up.
“I was raised in Germany until I was 15. I’ve been coming to the Oktoberfest for many, many years,” said Holden, the daughter of a German mother and American father.
Holden beat out six other candidates for the crown, edging second runner-up Asley Kato and first runner-up Brooke Fait.
The 2008 winner, Barbara Kennedy, graciously passed the tiara to Holden.
“It was a lot of fun. I had a great time in my year as Ms. Oktoberfest,” Kennedy said.
Holden will now preside over the German American Social Club’s premier event, Oktoberfest, as well as other events throughout the year.
Other duties include taking part in the Edison parade of lights and appearing in commercials and radio spots for Oktoberfest.
“They have to be ready to do all the commercials and pre-Oktoberfest advertising for us,” said event organizer Teresa Kohl.
The contestants were judged on their responses to two questions, one of which was “Why do you want to be Ms. Oktoberfest?”
In her response, Holden touted her German heritage and her enthusiasm for Oktoberfest.
“I’m here all the time so I might as well do it in an official capacity,” Holden said.
Even as the celebratory champagne was being passed out, Holden was magnanimous in victory.
“All the contestants were just fabulous. They were all so beautiful and so friendly. I didn’t think I had a shot,” she said.