|
|
Fair queen contestants introduced
Monday, July 09, 2012
By Jane Elling Correspondent
This is the 24th annual contest for a young lady to be chosen as Clearfield County Fair Queen to reign for one year and yesterday, the eight contestants were introduced at the Fair Queen Banquet at Expo II at the fair grounds.
They will compete on July 29 beginning at 3 p.m. on the Grandstand Stage. Everyone is invited to the free competition. In addition to naming a fair queen, the three judges will choose first and second runners-up. Fair Queen Pageant Escorts are Kyle Johns, Michael Minicucci and Jared Henry.
The contestants were introduced by master of ceremonies Bob E. Day who asked each one a question about something in their biography. The candidates include: Misti Bruner, Curwensville; Patricia Laird, Curwensville; Victoria Garner, LaJose; Brandye Hull, Westover; Christine Whited, Clearfield; Danielle Farmery, Clearfield; Darcie Grenier, DuBois; and Chelsea Folmar, Luthersburg.
Day also introduced the special guests: Clearfield County Commissioners, John Sobel, Joan Robinson McMillen and Mark McCracken; State Representative 75th District, Matt Gabler; Wade Cowder, founder of the fair queen program; the fair board, Dave Franson, president; Greg Hallstrom, fair manager; Dick Shipley, Brenda Morgan, Rex Fink, Dave Hallstrom, Larry Bickel and Steve Flanagan; and former state agriculture secretary Sam Hayes who has presented a lamb to the fair queen for many years that she can raise during her reign, followed by its sale.
The welcome was given by Fair Queen Committee Coordinator, Brenda Morgan. Other members of the committee are all past Clearfield County Fair Queens: Jana Duttry Davidson; Shaina Williams Franson; Jamie Orcutt Straub; Rachel Carr Davidson; Leah Carr Albright; and Halee Kephart.
The reigning fair queen is Melanie Swartz and first runner-up is Misti Bruner and second runner-up is Chelsea Folmar.
After the competition the fair queen and court will participate in events and activities throughout fair week and continue to appear and promote the Clearfield County Fair at events and appearances as approved by the Queen Committee. This includes being actively involved in raising funds for Queens for a Cause that benefits Children's Miracle Network and local charities as well as assisting local charitable organizations upon request.
Yesterday's guest of honor and speaker was Mike Kerr who was introduced by Jana Duttry Davidson and spoke about the importance of agriculture. Among his remarks were that the queen's goals should be to promote the fair, promote agriculture and raise funds for needy children.
In his statements, he said 98 percent of Americans do not live on a farm and 91 percent of farms are family owned. He has worked for the Department of Agriculture for 33 years.
He shared information about the sheep the Queens are raising, saying the first one was "Morgan's Miracle " and thanks to Bill Williams, approximately $2,500 was raised. In the past 10 years, just less than $25,000 has been raised.
The meal was provided by Buster's Sports Bar; the invocation and benediction were given by Bill Williams. Special thanks were also given to Tailor and Tux Shop and Blacker Floral.
|  |
|
|
|
