The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Olivia Crandall, The Quill Staff
Many people love the Henderson County Fair just about as much as I do. I enjoy all of the happenings that go on during this week at Stronghurst. You get to meet many diverse people, who come from all around, and you get to have the pleasure of having a fun time with your friends.
Many of my friends this year are old enough to participate in more than just the 4-H end of the fair. Some are seniors, who work at the Senior Food Tent, and others are participating in Mud Volleyball and the Figure 8 Derby.
I thought it would be fun to participate too, only I decided to run for the Henderson County Fair Queen, and am I ever so glad that I did. This was my first year running, and although I can only run for one thought was hot or not hot, where someone got that cute little purse, or where we could find a look alike top because we would just die if we didn't get it, then practice our main dance routine.
But I can guarantee you that for at least half of the time, we practiced hard. (Right Wendy?)
When practices were not in session, this was the time to practice on your personal three minute routine. (Yes, it had to be at least three whole minutes up in front of everybody.) A lot of time goes into this. Some girls had to practice their songs, jump rope routines, speeches, and making up a new dance. I had a fun time making up my dance.
At noon on Monday, five hours before anybody saw us, we all gathered at the Antiquity. It was open ground for whatever we needed to do to look our prettiest.
From painting nails and toe nails, getting the perfect hairstyle, eating, to practicing and re-practicing the main dance and your own talent, and taking extra long on your make-up do, there wasn't really enough time.
At about 4:15 we headed to the school to prepare for our interview. No one sees the interview, but it counts for a major part of a queen's score. After we had all talked to each judge, we all came back in our very cool, air conditioned room and ate again. (We appreciate the Antiquity for buying us all supper!)
After a quick change, it was time to take center stage and perform in front of everybody.
We performed our dance and hoped that the judges were happy. We all smiled so hard that by the time we were running back to our room by the library, we were all discussing how many times our lips quivered.
It was time to change again, now into the talent costume. The first contestant, Lindsey Dilsaver, was called back almost immediately after we had gotten out to the trailer. I have to give her a hand for the quickest change time ever. She ran back to the school, and the rest of us hurried to follow.
Lindsey performed a very energetic jump rope routine.
Next was Robin Guile who sang a beautiful song.
Then it was my turn, and I did a dance routine.
After me came Elizabeth Ackermann, who performed a speech, then Melissa Moyers who also did a dance routine.
Finally, it was Ciara Robinson. She sang The Star Spangled Banner, our national anthem, for her talent.
It was really hot in the gym, and after performing, then running out to the room, we were all really hot. But it was time to put on our gowns, and look beautiful.
After a quick redo on the make-up, a touch up on the hair, we ran back to the school in heels with umbrellas in hand. We all did our final walk modeling our evening gowns. Jr. Misses Samantha Arnold and Kaitlin Sparrow, did a Green Acre routine, with an adorable live calf, and had the audience singing part of Old McDonald Had A Farm. Then it was time for the announcement of the queen.
We were all so nervous. Everyone took hands and hoped for the best.
Robin Guile received runner-up and Ciara Robinson was crowned our 2004-05 Henderson County Fair Queen.
I am very happy for the both of them. They deserved it. Any one of us could have gotten it, but we all had so much fun we didn't really care. It was a wonderful journey, and I want to say that I had so much fun with all of the girls, and I can not wait to go out next year.
Queen Contestants perform for the judges and the large crowd at the Fair Queen Pageant Monday evening. From left is Robin Guile, Olivia Crandall, Lindsey Dilsaver, Melissa Moyers, Ciara Robinson, and Elizabeth Ackermann. The Little Misses and the Junior Misses also performed during the pageant.
Ciara Selected Henderson County Fair Queen
Ciara Robinson, a Southern Junior (right) was crowned 2004-05 Henderson County Fair Queen Monday evening, during the opening event of this week's county 4-H fair. Robin Guile (left), Stronghurst was runner-up. Both were crowned by last year's fair queen, Brandi Lindo.