But after wild weather, a search for an indoor venue and a contestant's hospitalisation for an asthma attack earlier in the day, the plan was thrown out the window.

However, the show went on and medical receptionist Adriana Lions was crowned Miss Wagga 2015, while Sarah Moon was named Community Princess, at Saturday's ceremony.

Medical receptionist Adriana Lions was crowned Miss Wagga 2015 while Sarah Moon was named community princess at a ceremony at the art gallery.

Ms Lions used her first speech as Miss Wagga to highlight the value of tackling personal challenges.

Quoting first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and holding back tears, she said "you must do that what you think you cannot do."

"Those words have filled my mind with possibilities but also fear."

Ms Lions said she was up to the challenge of representing Wagga and thrived off the demands of the role such as busy charity engagements and visits to sister cities.

"One of my greatest fears is failure. To put your pride on the line is a big thing but I'm so glad that I did," she said.

"It will will drive me to be the best person I can be."

The Miss Wagga Quest is a staple of the city's social calendar; a long-running tradition of 67 years.

Contestants are judged on personal growth, teamwork and commitment to the goals of the quest.

Miss Wagga Quest committee chairman Larry Buete said the year had been a test of endurance, noting it was a test not yet over for the winners.

"We've had 67 years without controversy because the process brings out the best in these young ladies," he said.

"The value is that they turn into wonderful citizens."

This year, the six Miss Wagga contestants raised a record $15,000 towards combating homelessness in the city at their sleepout challenge.

Wagga mayor Rod Kendall said all six contestants had "broadened their outlook on the world".

He said of the winners he expected "exactly what we have had from what we've had from every other years' ambassador".

"Which is: people who represent the city in a manner that befits the title, that they will broaden their outlook on the world, and that Wagga certainly is the winner every year," he said.

"Words of advice? Enjoy the year."

EXACTLY how newly minted Miss Wagga Adriana Lions overcame her fear of failure is not a mystery: she turned to others.

Ms Lions, 22, said she was "thrilled" to be crowned Miss Wagga at Saturday's ceremony but it was an "unexpected" thrill.

She said her resistance to move forward was overcome when she entered in the quest.

"I know that I have grown, I know that we have all grown as entrants, we've been pushed out of our comfort zones," she said.

"Time and time again we've been challenged but we've all stepped up to the plate.

"I know that it has made me a confident and well-rounded person."

Ms Lions said she looked forward to visiting one of Wagga's sister cities, Kunming, China, next year.

"I'll be there as a representative of Wagga," she said.

And now that Miss Wagga has her crown, she's ready to hit a high note.

"I also know that last year's Miss Wagga went in Wagga Takes Two, so I really hope I get that opportunity," she laughed.

Miss Wagga Committee chairman Larry Buete said Ms Lions - who is originally from Newcastle - had been a "wonderful" ambassador for the Quest and the city.

"She's a remarkable young lady, moved to our city, has embraced the community and put herself out there to really achieve," he said.

SARAH Moon knows hardship. Losing her father to cancer and then her partner to suicide not long ago, the quest was the perfect distraction, and a chance to step off the rollercoaster of agony.

Crowned community princess, Ms Moon said she will use her experience with heartache to reach out to others.

"It's made me want to help," she said.

"I know the emotions. I want to be that person to let everyone know that it will be OK.

"There can be life after loss. You can still live your life and achieve great things."

Ms Moon, 22, an administration officer with a workplace services business, said the crushing blow of losing her father and partner manifested itself in a constant and unhealthy replaying of events.

She said the Miss Wagga Quest provided an escape.

"I needed something to keep me distracted, but also give me focus and guidance and the quest was the best thing for me," she said.

"Once you achieve little milestones, you realise how far you have come.

"I'm now a completely different person."

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