Sister act at Oil Heritage

Some pass the torch, some pass the tiara.

Payton Liederbach was chosen the 2025 Oil Heritage Festival Queen two years after her sister Kennedy earned the sash and crown.

"I’m so happy This is so meaningful, our cousin won before too," Payton said.

Kayla McCandlees was the 2015  queen.

The rising Oil City High School senior, is a star athlete and her resume is loaded with volunteer work, the latter is a strong part of the criteria the OHF Queen candidates are judged.

Each candidate had to submit an essay as well answering the question 'why they would like to be the queen.'

"... it would give me the platform to represent and give back to the community I love," she wrote. "I would cherish the opportunity to meet new people in our town and participate in all the festival activities.

​"Thie experience would allow me to serve my community, enhance my leadership skills and be a role model to young kids, all of which are personally very important."

Maureen James, head go the OHF Queen contest, said this is the first time sisters have won.

"My little girl I’m so proud. She is my best friend. I’m beyond proud she is following in my footsteps," Kennedy said shortly after Payton was crowned. "This is a big yesr she is heading into."

Kennedy was crowned in 2023 when severe thunderstorms moved the ceremony indoors.

Kayla McCandless was crowned in 2015.

The obligatory .5 of the candidates