Tiaras and trophies

By Sherry Larson

People’s Defender

Samantha Young knows about pageants, which showed at the youth pageants held on Sunday at the Adams County Fair. With standing room only for most of the day, spectators gathered to watch many gals and several guys vying for the crowns.

Young took over the coordination of the “littles” and baby pageants this year, only stepping aside for the two-year-old category because daughter Tomlynn was a contestant. Leanne Liston, Treasurer of the Fair Board, stepped in for the two-toddler competition and helped keep the pageants rolling from 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday as Young added several age groups this year.

C103’s Don Bowles emceed the day, reminding the audience, “We are here to celebrate kids,” and declaring all winners for their participation. He asked simple questions to the younger contestants and increasingly added more challenging inquiries to the older participants. After leaving one contest and heading to the Talent Show to emcee again, Bowles truly should have received a crown himself.

Changing the format, Young initiated a scoresheet for each contestant that they and their parents could review after the show. Judges were attentive and talliers efficient. This reporter was ecstatic as the names of all winners were indicated and spelled out for straightforward clarification. Young said, “I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve learned different systems.”

The contests brought lots of sparkles, fabulous shoes, a few hats, at least one briefcase, and laughter. When asked what their favorite part of the fair was, Little Mister contestant Zane Schwallie pointed to the female judges and said, “The two beautiful judges right there,” causing the room to erupt in laughter. Not to be outdone, Ralston Hayslip answered the same question, “Watching all the pretty girls walk around the fair.” The merriment continued throughout the day, with one young lady likening her dress to a disco ball. Several Princess and Junior Princess contestants discussed their show animals to many a chuckle, describing the choice to name or stay detached from market animals.

Giving a poised answer to Bowles’ impromptu question, Princess contestant MaKenna Taylor spoke about the importance of confidence and body image, which inspired the crowd and triggered an infectious round of applause. Taylor ultimately walked away with the Princess crown. Through shaking and tear-filled eyes, she said, “I prayed that I’d do a good job.”

It was a long and warm day, but the efficiency and organization kept the flow going. Young continued her director role at the Baby Contest on Tuesday evening in Shade Tree Park.

As Bowles reminded the crowd, don’t listen to the naysayers, “Our future is bright – they are sitting right here.”