Wearing a tiara and sash, Rachel Villanueva was dubbed “Queen of the Day” by the Original Townsite Stakeholder Committee, which hosted the city of Surprise Founder’s Day program.
The Original Townsite Stakeholder Committee vice-chair, Villanueva, a Surprise resident since the 1970s knew her duties for “Queen of the Day” included riding in the parade and being mistress of ceremonies, but was shocked to find out the event was to celebrate her upcoming 86th birthday too.
“Her family is going to surprise her. We are going to make it very special for her today,” said Sherry Simmons Aguilar, the retired city clerk and Surprise Original Townsite Stakeholder Committee chair.
