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Mary Ann Guastello didn’t realize that walking into her first BOTAR event in the fall of 1993, she was about to meet her future husband, Matt Knopke. It wasn’t completely serendipitous as they were not paired together as BOTAR and escort, but it was evident soon enough that they were a good match. Within a few months they were engaged, and within a few more months they were married. Mary Ann and Matt have been enthusiastic BOTAR and American Royal supporters ever since!

Mary Ann has held three vice president positions before being named president: vice president of BOTAR, the Ball, and public relations; in addition to working on myriad committee placements in the more than 30 years since she was presented in 1993. She is committed to the organization for the same reasons that many people enjoy being involved. Mary Ann loves meeting people of different ages and backgrounds as they come together for a common cause. And, she believes strongly in the mission and vision of the American Royal – preserving agriculture history, while guaranteeing our future of a safe, productive agrarian world.

Mary Ann is particularly proud of the involvement both BOTAR and the American Royal have with the small farmers of America. Both organizations provide numerous scholarships to young people working on small farms and studying agriculture. She also enjoys the hands-on aspect of giving tours at the Royal, and she encourages anyone and everyone to experience what fun it is to expose children to livestock and agrarian values and practices. Both organizations provide so many educational and leadership opportunities for young people. It’s one of the core values of BOTAR of which Mary Ann is most proud: providing leadership training and connections within the organization. 

As her year as president is passing by quite quickly, Mary Ann is eager to achieve her goal of making sure that the BOTAR membership feels valued and is engaged. She feels that membership involvement and camaraderie is key to the success of the organization. Mary Ann is on point and ready for a fun, productive season promoting two of Kansas City’s most special treasures in the Belles of the American Royal, and the American Royal, itself. The BOTAR Ball will be held on October 18th at the Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown. 

Featured in the August 23, 2025 issue of The Independent
By: Anne Potter Russ