STEP FORWARD FOR THE 2026 MARAKA QUEEN QUEST

2025 Maraka Queen entrants (L) Ainsley Dimaggio (Crowned Queen) and (R) Trista Kopeshke (Crowned Runner-Up), at the Afternoon Tea event. Photo credit: Victoria Velton

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Could You Be The Next Maraka Queen?

The Ingham Maraka Festival is calling on women aged 18 to 30 to step forward and nominate for the 2026 Maraka Queen Quest.

Whether you have always wanted to take part in a Queen Quest, were a Maraka Princess in the past, or simply want to try something new, organisers are encouraging eligible women to put their names forward.

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Entrants will be invited to join the celebrations leading up to this year’s Mardi Gras, as well as being crowned Maraka Queen in front of the crowds, and riding atop their very own parade float.  

Last year’s Maraka Queen Ainsley Dimaggio and runner-up Trista Kopeshke have shared what their Queen Quest journey meant to them and why they believe this year’s entrants should take the leap.

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What made you decide to enter the Maraka Queen Quest last year?

Ainsley: “I thought it would be great to try something different, do something fun and get out of my comfort zone. I also thought it would be a great way to give back to my community and keep the tradition of our special festival going.

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“At the time, I didn’t really know where the journey would take me, but I knew I wanted to get more involved in the community, meet new people and create meaningful connections.”

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Looking back, what was the Queen Quest journey like for you?

Ainsley: “It challenged me in ways I didn’t expect and helped me grow in confidence, not only as a person but also in how I connected with others.

“For me, it was never just about the title. It was about trying something new and having the opportunity to represent and celebrate our community, whilst having some fun at the same time.

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What did you take away from the experience personally that you didn’t expect going into it?

Trista: “I don’t think I expected to make so many connections around the community. You get the opportunity to engage with so many businesses, people and events that you wouldn’t have otherwise.

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“I think it also opened my eyes to how much work goes into the Maraka Festival (...) I’ve been able to see the exact level of effort and detail that is considered, and I am so thankful that there are people willing to keep this going for our community.”

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What would you say to this year’s potential entrants who might be nervous about putting themselves forward?

Trista: “You will not regret doing it! In addition to the connections that will grow between you and others, there are also things that will grow within yourself.

“And as a potential Maraka Queen, you do this by simply being you. It doesn’t matter what stage of life you’re in, nor if you consider yourself to be the quietest or most outgoing person in the room, you can bring your own flair to the quest.

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“You will have the whole community behind you, cheering you on.”

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Those interested in nominating or finding out more can contact Ainsley, the 2025 Maraka Queen, on 04 5565 6364, or Trista, the 2025 Maraka Queen runner-up, on 04 3474 4764.

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