Festival Royalty

2026 Festival Royalty: Bill and Mary Seibert

Bill and Mary Seibert’s selection as King and Queen of the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival is a fitting tribute to a life shaped by family, friends, and deep commitment to their community. From their years of dedication to St. Charles, the Interstate 35 School District, local traditions, and countless volunteer efforts, Bill and Mary have helped strengthen the connections that make small communities endure. Their story is one of returning home, investing in others, and showing—through steady, humble service—that a village is built by neighbors willing to show up for one another. 

Bill and Mary's shared story began at Simpson College, where they began building the partnership that has carried them through 46 years of marriage. In August of 1987, as a young family, they made the decision to move back to St. Charles. Bill wanted to return to his roots and raise his family in a community that had cared for him when he lost his parents at a young age. What followed was nearly four decades of investing their time and talents into the community they love.

Throughout their careers, Bill and Mary demonstrated the same dedication that would also define their commitment to their community. Bill spent over 3 decades with the United States Postal Service, while Mary worked for ITA Group, as a travel consultant for Meredith Corporation. Together they balanced successful careers with an unwavering commitment to their three children and their hometown community.

Bill served six years on the Interstate 35 School Board, including a term as president. During his tenure, the district successfully consolidated to a single-site campus, helping shape the future of education in the community. For more than 30 years, he has volunteered as a scorekeeper for Interstate 35 basketball and softball programs. He has spent 25 years on the sidelines of high school football games, working the chains, and continues to lend a hand wherever needed, often at middle school or JV events.  He also helps the Lions Club place flags at the cemetery each Memorial Day, honoring those who served before us. Bill understands the importance of showing up for others, and he lives that value in both big and small ways. 

Mary served with the I-35 Booster Club for over 20 years and has been actively involved with St. Charles Old Settlers (SCOS) since 1990, helping preserve and celebrate one of the community's most cherished traditions. She is a song leader and choir director at St. Marys Immaculate Conception Church. She is a representative on the Madison Warren Ecumenical Association, where she directed an ecumenical cantata choir for over a decade. Her volunteer efforts have included developing the new stage at Old Settlers Park, which bears her name; serving on RAGBRAI planning committees; serving on the St. Charles Gateway Tourism Board, bringing the landmark Gateway back to life; and leading the "Luv the Locals" business group that champions St. Charles businesses and community spirit. Mary’s incredible vision for “what could be” is only paralleled by her willingness to roll up her sleeves and do the hard work to get there. Her ability to inspire others to get involved will reverberate throughout everything she touches for decades to come. 

For nearly 40 years, Bill and Mary have been builders of connections that bring people together. They are incredible supporters of the Interstate 35 school district. They support community traditions, strengthen local organizations, and make their community a better place for everyone who calls it home. Yet neither of them would be the first to take credit. They would quickly point to the family, friends, neighbors, and fellow volunteers who have worked alongside them over the years – “it takes a village.” Fortunately for all of us, Bill and Mary have spent a lifetime helping build that village. And as they would be the first to tell you, they are so grateful to live in and love theirs.