Marissa E. Young, GantDaily.com
CLEARFIELD – Thirteen young women, all hopeful of “gaining royalty,” made their first presentation as fair queen contestants, at the 23rd annual Clearfield County Fair Queen Banquet held at the Expo II building June 27.
Robert Swales, chairman of the Queen Committee, began the program by introducing the emcee for the evening, Bob Day. Day called each contestant to the podium like it was a game show and asked them to introduce themselves. Each contestant was also posed a specific question about an item included on her application to become queen.
These thirteen hopefuls introduced themselves to the other contestants, as well as former queens, the Queen’s Committee, the Fair Board, Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, Edna George, and guests, in hopes that on July 31 at the Queen Contest they would have the crown displayed on their head.
This year’s queen contestants are (in order by contestant number): Chelsea Folmar, Shannon Patton, Brittaney Gray, Christine Whited, Melanie Swartz, Elizabeth Ishler, Darcie Grenier, Misti Bruner, Sierra Records, Victoria Garner, Kristin Rindosh, Katelyn Farneth and Samantha Boulton.
The contestants are involved in organizations such as 4-H, Teen Court, and marching band. They participate in church and community activities, hold jobs and engage in hobbies. All these contestants share one thing in common, although they participate in many different activities and have different interests, they all want to be the Clearfield County Fair Queen this year.
Following the introduction of the contestants, Halee Kephart, 2010 Clearfield County Fair Queen, had a message to the contestants and those in attendance. Kephart talked about the huge steps she has taken during her reign as queen. She confidently took the microphone from Day and said prior to her experiences as queen she would have never been able to stand up in front of a roomful of strangers and speak.
“Be proud of the step you’ve taken,” Kephart told the 13 contestants. She also said how at the end of the day there are five girls in the court, but only one queen. Kephart also spoke of her fair queen court as a team, and how they have always been there for her. She told the 13 contestants they could have the opportunity to be a part of that team. Kephart also encouraged the contestants to do their best, have no regrets and have fun.
The Queen’s team and committee each year participate in a variety of activities and make many public appearances throughout the year, not just fair week.
“The Queens for Kids Program was created to give the Queen and her Court the opportunity to work together on a child or youth based charity to raise money to help others,” according to the Web site for the Clearfield County Fair. In the past 10 years, fair queens and courts have raised and donated $120,000 to the Children’s Miracle Network. Some of the fundraisers the queen participates in many fundraisers such as the Music Fund Fest, the Queen’s Lamb and a pancake breakfast.
While being ambassadors for the fair, the queen and her court have had the opportunity to reach out and meet other ambassadors for the Clearfield area as well.
Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson was the guest speaker for those in attendance. Thompson represents the 5th district of Pa. in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thompson was thankful for the invitation to “recognize royalty.”
“At such a young age [these girls] have established quite a resume and record,” Thompson said. He also elaborated on Kephart’s speech and the three things the contestants must do. “Thank you for stepping up and taking the risk,” he said to the contestants. He also encouraged them to continue to step out and take risks after the competition.
He also explained how the queen is an ambassador for the fair, as well as agriculture, the number one industry in Pennsylvania. Thompson said the fair gives Clearfield the opportunity to celebrate and showcase agriculture.
Thompson closed with a story about how one person can make a difference. An old man was throwing starfish back into the ocean and is questioned by a young girl as to why he is throwing them back. He explains they are washed onto shore and die quickly. Although there were many starfish as he threw one back he remarked “made a difference to that one.”
“Thirteen have an opportunity you’re provided to make that difference,” Thompson said. “Most important is to always seize that opportunity.”
The 13 contestants will continue taking steps and risks, and one will be chosen as queen at the Queen Contest at 3 p.m., on July 31, on the grandstand stage at the Clearfield County Fair.
(All photos by Marrisa E. Young)
