Omaha’s newest Santa Lucia Festival queen may be new to wearing the crown, but her family has a long history with the title dating back to the first queen nearly 100 years ago. Alli Venditte received her flowers at this year’s Santa Lucia Festival, becoming the 100th queen. “It was my dream come true,” Venditte said.

The Gross Catholic High School junior said she has fond memories growing up and attending the festival, looking up to the reigning queens. ”I would picture myself in their position until the time I could run for queen,” Venditte said. 99 titleholders may have come before her, but she and her family have a long-standing history with the crown.