About 170 people watched as Mrs Duggan was crowned in the 21st Senior Blossom Queen ceremony in Alexandra yesterday.
The event, which included food and entertainment, celebrated the volunteer work of its seven entrants and marked the beginning of the Alexandra Blossom Festival.
Mrs Duggan, who entered on behalf of the Central Otago Travel Club, said she was ``overwhelmed'' to win the competition.
``I told them I'd do it after my 80th, and I couldn't get out of it. It has been nice to get to know the other ladies.''
The modesty of its contestants meant they needed some encouraging to enter, she said.
``You've got to sort of build yourself up.''
Mrs Duggan has volunteered for a long list of organisations including for Alexandra's Ranui retirement home and the Alexandra Council of Social Services.
She was blossom festival secretary for eight years in the 1970s and is the former Archdeacon of the Anglican Church in Central Otago.
Runner-up Maureen Davies, representing Keep Alexandra Clyde Beautiful, said it was ``all a bit nerve-wracking''.
``Nobody likes to talk about themselves.''
Royal duties for the two will include attending festivities and sitting on a float in the grand procession this Saturday.
Festival events will continue until October 8.
