Megan Postlewait, an Astoria High School junior, was crowned Astoria Regatta queen Wednesday night at a coronation at the Liberty Theater.

“I cried a little,” Postlewait said as she stood in the hallway of the theater with her crown and cloak.

When she heard her name called, she said she felt overwhelming joy. “I get to represent my community,” she said. “It means I get to be a role model to next year’s court.”

During her speech, Postlewait spoke of the importance of industry. “Industry is what motivates us to go to work in the morning and inspires us to work harder,” she said.

Sydney Ordway, Rebecca Sprengeler and Mackenzie Strain are this year’s Regatta princesses.

Ordway discussed arts and culture. “I don’t know what the future holds for art, but I’m sure it’ll be a masterpiece,” she said.

Strain spoke about influential women. She discussed the gender pay gap and mentioned women who she believed are inspirational, including 2016 Miss Oregon Alexis Mather.

Sprengeler spoke about the evolution and importance of transportation. “Transportation is what brought us here today and is what is taking us into tomorrow.”

During her farewell speech, Aubrey McMahan, last year’s Regatta Queen, thanked everyone who helped her.

“Over the last two years I’ve been given one of the best opportunities a teenage girl could have,” McMahan said.

She said her experience has been intense and eye-opening. “I am so humbled by the dedication shown by these young women.”

After passing her crown to Postlewait, McMahan said the princesses “all had so many amazing attributes.”

“It threw me back to when they crowned me,” McMahan said.

In her advice for Postlewait, McMahan said, “Be the best leader you can be and remember it has more to do than just with yourself.”

Thousands of people are expected for the Regatta. Here are some of the main events. A full schedule can be found online at astoriaregatta.com

• Wednesday: Regatta Queen Coronation, Liberty Theater

• Today: Junior Parade, 5:30 p.m., downtown

• Friday: Seamen’s Memorial, 3 p.m., Maritime Memorial Park in Uniontown

• Saturday: Grand Land Parade, noon, downtown

• Sunday: Sailboat Races, 1 p.m., West Mooring Basin