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Fair queen, court wrap first official week
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
By Wendy Lynn Brion Staff Writer
Last week was the first week the 2012 Clearfield County Fair Queen and her court served in their official capacity, and it was a busy, entertaining and educational week for all three girls.
This year's queen is Misti Bruner of Curwensville who, along with first runner up Chelsea Folmar and second runner up Christine Whited, attended every day of the fair, opening events, said hello to visitors and vendors, and learned more about the fair and agriculture.
Bruner said she enjoyed meeting people this week, especially the state Secretary of Agriculture George Greig, Rep. Matt Gabler, R-75 of DuBois, Rep. Camille "Bud" George, D-74 of Houtzdale and gave them all a tour of the fair grounds. Folmar said she really enjoyed the livestock shows, especially since she is a 4-H member. She added she also loved the parade and all the people.
Whited said that since she is new to the program, "I've enjoyed everything."
The ladies also talked about the coming year and things they would like to accomplish.
"A big thing for me," Bruner said, "I would like to travel to schools in the county and talk about the effects of smoking." She said she wants to start with the high schools in the county but would also give talks at the junior high and elementary schools as well. She said her grandmother died of cancer. "I want them to know that smoking does kill," she said, adding there are a host of other health problems that can come from smoking. This ties into future plans she has for helping cancer patients in the county.
Folmar said she is looking forward to attending the farm show and Ag Progress Days and meeting people influential in the agriculture business. She said attending these and other events gives them the chance to talk to people about "what is important to us."
Whited said that she wants to concentrate on growing closer to the other two girls and getting to know them better.
"I really want to keep up Mel's car show," Bruner added, referring to 2011 Queen Melanie Swartz and her inspiration of having a car show fundraiser for Queens for a Cause. Bruner said the car show last year had a great turn out for a first time event.
"My brother has a DeLorean," said Whited, "I'd like to get him to enter it into the car show."
Folmar added they have several fundraisers each year and raise money for the Children's Miracle Network and other local charities. She said the court will attend the CMN Telethon and present a check for the Janet Weiss Children's Hospital.
Queen Committee Coordinator Brenda Morgan noted they will probably hold another gun raffle this year in the spring and she hopes they can coordinate something this fall as well.
Future plans for the ladies are also being thought of as they prepare for their year. Bruner's thoughts are occupied with getting her pastry business underway.
"I want to get it rolling so I can donate to cancer patients ... I want to get it going now," she said. Bruner also wants to set up a program for patients to have someone to call when they're feeling down or scared. She said it is about more than donating money, they need support too.
Remaining involved in agriculture is Folmar's goal. She said it is something she is very passionate about and she wants to remain involved in 4-H beyond high school. Enjoying her senior year in high school is her primary goal, but she is still looking to the future, getting her degree in veterinary medicine and becoming involved in college-level 4-H, which is more of an ambassador role where she hopes to get more kids excited about 4-H and agriculture.
Finishing her degree is also an important goal for Whited, who said she will be returning to Westminster college this fall. She is halfway through her schooling there and hopes to someday get a job in music.
When asked what drew them to the queen program, Bruner said she has done it for four years and made court last year. She said it has been her goal since she was 5-years-old and met Jennifer Ennis. She said she fell in love with agriculture and saw the effect on other people and wanted to change people's lives.
Growing up in agriculture had a big influence on Folmer's life. She said her grandfather was a second-generation farmer and she really loves the people and community. She also wants to make a difference in people's lives.
"When you hear that, it makes a big impact, knowing you can make a difference."
Whited said in 2011 she participated in the contest on a dare, but she came back because she saw what an awesome program it was "and that drew me in."
Folmar added that the committee and fair board have been amazing and incredible and supportive and she thanked everyone for their support for her and the court.
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