2010 Junior Fair Royalty crowned

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

By MISSY HARRIS
Inquirer Reporter
mharris@galioninquirer.com

On Sunday evening, despite the drenching thunderstorm that poured onto the Crawford County Fair Grounds, hundreds of people packed into the Youth Building to witness the crowning of the 153rd Crawford County Fair 2010 Junior Fair Royalty Court.

One elderly audience member divulged that she had driven from West Virginia, leaving her home at 1:30 and arriving in Crawford County just ahead of the storm, to see her granddaughter compete in the pageant.

Junior Fair Board members Caitlyn Horning and Kailey Reynolds served as emcees for the event. At intermittent quiet moments throughout the evening, the driving rain against the building’s roof and the rumble of thunder set a backdrop to the excitedly-murmuring crowd watching the event.

First, each contestant in the Prince and Princess contest introduced him or herself from a microphone at center stage: For Prince, the only contestant was Dwight Shawk. For Princess, the contestants were: Iva Jo Bishop, Shania Clingman, Raven Crawford, Emily Dotson, Tori Kirian, Haley Kocher and Jessica Lohr.

Next, each of the King and Queen contestants took to the stage in formal attire, introduced him or herself and then took a seat on-stage. The only King contestant was Nicholas Kalb and the Queen contestants were Andrea Cole, Torri Crawford, Stacy Jones, Kailey Reynolds, Clarissa Scheffler and Sarah Scott.

From the center-stage mic, each of these contestants in turn answered one question — on topics such as: “What was the best advice you’ve ever been given?” and “What has been an important event in your life?” Their remarks were delivered with sincerity and nervous panache.

At this point, judges Zach Wolf and Lisa Stover were dismissed to deliberate while the crowd was entertained with piano performances by Grace Harris.

Junior fair royalty visited from Sandusky, Marion and Erie County Fairs briefly took to the stage to share greetings and invitations for the audience members to visit their fairs.

The 2009 royalty court of King David Wagner, Queen Allison Hartschuh, Prince Austin McCracken and Princess Morgan Wurm were on hand to present the royal accouterment of sashes, medallions and crowns — as well as their congratulations — as the pageant’s winners were announced.

Award donors for the competition were: Queen’s crown and all sashes — Crawford County Senior Fair Board; Attendant’s crown — David, Leah and Levi Hartschuh; King and Attendant medallions — Ted and Linda Coulter; Queen’s plaque — Chatfield Blue Ribbons 4-H Club; Flowers for the Queen — Velvet Ice Cream Co.; Flowers for the Princess — Flowers and Fancies, Steve Auck; Giefts for Junior Fair Court — Bucyrus Chamber of commerce; King, Queen and Runners-up scholarships — 4-H Advisory Committee; Princess crown — Lykens Champions 4-H Club; Princess Attendant crown — Tessa and Celestia Starner; and Prince and Attendant medallions — Lykens Champions 4-H Club.

And now, without further ado…

Meet the 2010 Crawford County Junior Fair Royalty Court:

Queen Sarah Scott is the daughter of Jay and Kathy Scott. Sarah recently graduated from high school and will be attending OSU Agricultural Technical Institute in the fall. She has participated in the Crawford County Junior Fair for the past 13 years. Sarah represents Wynford Winners 4-H Club, of which she has been a member for the past three years.

From 2001 to 2009, Sarah completed around 20 Fair projects, earning multiple first-place awards. In past years, Sarah has served as president, vice-president, 4-H camp counselor and a member of the booth committees. She has served on the Junior Fair Board since 2008, for which she has been responsible for committee work involving goats, poultry, rabbits, fair booth and barn games. Sarah’s other activities include FFA, Nazareth Youth Organization, Epworth United Methodist choirs, volleyball, basketball, softball, show choir, band and soccer.

In her essay explaining why she should be chosen as the Junior Fair Queen, Sarah wrote, “…there is more to (being queen) than just parades and show. It’s about being part of a tradition… that has been happening for 153 years. And in those years, I have had several relatives that have been Junior Fair Royalty… I hope I can be a part of this great tradition… I have become a good leader over the years and I would like to pass on the knowledge and skills that I have learned through 4-H by being an example to the younger 4-H members…”

Queen’s Attendant Clarissa Scheffler is the daughter of Randy and Laurie Scheffler of Bucyrus. Clarissa recently completed 11th grade at Bucyrus High School and plans to pursue a career in music production/business. She has participated in the Crawford County Junior Fair for the past six years. Clarissa represents Town and Country 4-H Club, of which she has been a member for the past six years.

From 2004 to 2010, Clarissa completed 12 Fair projects, earning multiple “first-place” rankings. In past years, Clarissa has served as community service coordinator, fund raiser, booth designer and chairperson, president and X-band drums section leader. She has not served on the Junior Fair Board, but she has participated in swim team, marching/concert band, percussion project, tennis team, BHS Players and dinner theater. Clarissa’s other activities include Girl Scouts, church, student council and academic honors.

In her essay explaining why she should be chosen as the Junior Fair Queen, Clarissa wrote, “The Junior Fair Queen should encourage not only those in rural areas but in urban areas as well. She should inspire her peers to be involved in positive skill-building activities… I believe I have the ability to assist others to discover their interests and talents in fields that they normally would not have access to. I am not your typical teenage girl… I have taken welding, electricity and small engines. I want to show that it’s o.k. to be different and to do what makes oneself happy…”

King Nicholas M. Kalb is the son of Mike and Nancy Kalb of Bloomville. Nicholas recently completed 11th grade at Buckeye Central High School and plans to attend OSU Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster. He has participated in the Crawford County Junior Fair for the past 12 years. Nicholas represents the Heartland 4-H Club, of which he has been a member for the past year.

From 2001 to 2010, Nicholas completed about 20 Fair projects, earning A’s and the honor of competing at the State Fair level in multiple categories. In past years, Nicholas has served as treasurer, recreation officer, historian, safety leader and a member of the fair booth committee. He is currently serving on the Junior Fair Board; his responsibilities include livestock judging, dairy show, dairy feeders how, decorations committee and talent show. Other activities undertaken by Nicholas include marching band, wind ensemble, concert choir, church youth group, FFA (treasurer), musical, B.E.S.T. award and 4-H camp counselor.

In his essay explaining why he should be chosen as the Junior Fair King, Nicholas wrote that the fair royalty “should be the person that always has a positive attitude and represent 4-H… They should encourage kids to join 4-H and to run for royalty… I think I would make a good king because I work well with any age of kids. I’m also responsible and dependable. I always have a positive outlook and I would be a good role model for the younger 4-Hers.”

Princess Haley Kocher is the daughter of Mark and Karen Kocher of Bucyrus. Haley recently completed 9th grade at Wynford High School. She has participated in the Crawford County Junior Fair for the past nine years. Haley represents Holmes Liberty Royal Lions 4-H Club, of which she has been a member for the past nine years.

From 2006 to 2010, Haley completed nine Fair projects, earning awards for showmanship. In past years, Haley has served as vice-president, news reporter, health leader, recreation leader and a member of various committees. She has not served on the Junior Fair Board, but she has participated in 4-H camp, speech contest and favorite foods contest. Haley’s other activities include student government, marching and concert bands, track, basketball, spring musical and church.

In her essay explaining why she should be chosen as the Junior Fair Princess, Haley wrote, “Being the Crawford County Junior Fair Princess would give me the chance to be the role model for younger kids so they have someone to look up to and learn from… Being the princess would mean a lot to me because my family has been involved with 4-H for at least the past four generations. It would be an honor to represent 4-H…”

Princess’ Attendant Jessica Lohr is the daughter of Andy and Tonya Lohr of Bucyrus. Jessica recently completed 9th grade at Colonel Crawford High School. She has participated in the Crawford County Junior Fair for the past ten years. Jessica represents Dairy Maids and Gents 4-H Club, of which she has been a member for the past ten years.

From 2004 to 2010, Jessica completed over 20 Fair projects, earning multiple awards in several categories. In past years, Jessica has served as camp counselor, treasurer, assistant treasurer, historian and a member of various committees. She is currently serving on the Junior Fair Board, for which she has been responsible for livestock judging, sheep committee and showman of showmen. Jessica’s other activities include softball, swim team, school musical, B.E.S.T. program, FFA, and Grace United Methodist Church. Jessica was also selected as 2003 Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival Princess and 2008 Crawford County Cattlemens Association Princess.

In her essay explaining why she should be chosen as the Junior Fair Princess, Jessica wrote, “I am excited to use my public relation skills to promote 4-H and the Junior Fair. I love to speak to people and educate them on what wonderful experiences you can achieve from such a great organization… I will be 100 percent dedicated to fulfilling my obligations… (and) I would make you proud as your representative.”

Prince Dwight Shawk is the son of Dale and Victoria Shawk of Bucyrus. Dwight recently completed 10th grade at Colonel Crawford High School. He has participated in the Crawford County Junior Fair for the past seven years. Dwight represents the Liberty Leaders 4-H Club, of which he has been a member for the past seven years.

From 2003 to 2008, Dwight completed over 20 Fair projects, placing as champion in several categories. In past years, Dwight has served as safety leader and recreational leader, 4-H camp counselor and livestock judge. He served on the Junior Fair Board in 2009 and again this year. Other activities undertaken by Dwight include football, band, Junior Teen Institute (TI), Project BLACK, FFA (president) and youth fellowship at Grace United Methodist Church.

In his essay explaining why he should be chosen as the Junior Fair Prince, Dwight wrote, “The first responsibility is to be a positive icon and role model for the fair… Another responsibility is leadership… I think I should be chosen as the prince because of my leadership, intelligence and responsibility. I feel that I have demonstrated my leadership skills in several other projects and groups I have been in…”

*****

Qualifications for Junior Fair royalty are:

1. Must belong to an organization represented on the Junior Fair Board.

2. Must be at least 13 to 15 years old as of Jan. 1, 2010 for Prince/Princess contest. Must be at least 16 to 18 years of age as of Jan. 1, 2010 for King/Queen contest.

3. Must be able to participate in the preliminary judging (Thursday, July 8) and in the Junior Fair Royalty Contest (Sunday, July 18).

4. Must be able to attend Junior Fair activities during the fair.

5. Must conduct themselves in an orderly manner and abide by all rules and standards set forth by the Junior Fair Board advisors.

While serving as a member of the Crawford County Junior Fair Royalty court, the selected members are to abide by the following “rules of reign”:

1. During the royalty court’s reign, no member is permitted to engage in extended public displays of affection.

2. No crown/medallion and/or sash may be worn while any royalty member is showing or selling a project.

3. Members of the Crawford County Junior Fair royalty are expected to dress appropriately while representing the Junior Fair.

Members of the royalty court should not wear the following: Revealing or ragged clothing; shirts with offensive logos or language. Undergarments should not be exposed. No open-toed shoes or flip-flops. Clean tennis shoes are permitted with docker-style pants. Recommended dress attire includes docker-style pants or knee-length casual dress shorts. It is suggested shirts have collars, sleeves and be tucked in. A belt is strongly encouraged. Dresses are permitted as long as the do not violate any of the previously-mentioned items.

Violating the dress code more than twice will lead to removal from the Crawford County Junior Fair royalty court.