By Jordan Studer
As the rain clouds swirled over the Crawford County Fairgrounds, the nerves of young Junior Fair Royalty Contest contenders churned even more rapidly. Many individuals were in the running for a spot on the 2017 Junior Fair Royal Court.
As the competitors came to the microphone, each introduced themselves and gave a bit of a background about themselves. The Queen and King contestants were then asked to give their best answers to the questions prepared specifically for them, as well as one fishbowl question.
Queen candidate, Desiree Sharp was asked what she would tell anyone who might be interested in hearing about the community Crawford County Fair provides for her if she was selected as Queen.
“I would tell them how close our community is, and how much respect and responsibility the people of this community have shown me. And while I’d like to bring them (all) to the fair to show them all of this, I know I can’t, so I would just tell them how amazing our fair is and how amazing the agricultural side of our community is,” Sharp passionately answered.
Upon conclusion of the questioning, the panel of judges was dismissed to make their final decisions. Royalty from visiting counties was then invited up to introduce themselves and invite the audience to attend their fairs.
Any royalty from previous years who were present at the contest were also asked to come forward so that they may be recognized.
The 2016 Crawford County Junior Fair Royal Court was then given a chance to summarize what their experience as royalty had meant to them. Each one of the individuals explained that they desired to wish the candidates for the evening the best of luck, and no matter the outcome, they could always run again.
Sydney Harris, 2016 Crawford County Junior Fair Princess, spoke of how much her experience as Princess had taught her. Harris wished the best to the future royalty and wanted to give them advice that she had learned during her reign.
“My message to the future royalty is simply to walk slowly, wear a big smile, and cherish every moment you can while it lasts because your year as royalty will fly!” Harris sentimentally said.
After the 2016 Crawford County Royal Court bid their final farewells, it was time for the 2017 royalty to be crowned.
Zachary Hiler was crowned as Junior Fair King. Desiree Sharp was crowned as Junior Fair Queen. The title of King Attendant was given to Austin Strouse. The Queen’s Court included Megan Gwirtz (first runner-up) and Victoria Thimmes (second runner-up).
Crowned as Junior Fair Prince was Thomas Kurek. Hannah Feldman was crowned as Junior Fair Princess. Prince Attendant title was bestowed upon Alec Sipes. Sydnee Corwin was chosen as Princess Attendant.
When asking the Hiler and Sharp what gave them the desire to run for their new-found positions, they were quick to answer. Hiler explained how he thought it would
be a great experience for him, filled with fun memories. Sharp admitted that the 2016 Junior Fair Queen, Taylor Lutz, had actually been the one who persuaded her to run.
“Taylor Lutz actually convinced me to run! She pushed me and was like ‘Come on you have to do it! It will be so much fun!’ ” Sharp explained.
Hiler and Sharp explained that as King and Queen, they are very excited to take on the duty of representing the Crawford County Fair as much as possible by visiting fairs all around the state whenever they can.
The 2017 Crawford County Junior Fair Royal Court were crowned as follows:
King:
Zachary Hiler
Queen:
Desiree Sharp
King’s Attendant:
Austin Strouse
Queens Court:
Megan Gwirtz (1st runner-up) & Victoria Thimmes (2nd runner-up)
Princess:
Hannah Feldman
Princess Attendant:
Sydnee Corwin
The complete list of 2017 Junior Fair Royalty contestants are listed below.
Junior Fair Queen Contestants:
Megan Gwirtz
Desiree Sharp
Victoria Thimmes
Junior Fair King Contestants:
Zachary Hiler
Austin Strouse
Junior Fair Princess Contestants:
Abigail Brocwell
Sydnee Corwin
Haley Easterday
Corin Feik
Hannah Feldman
Jodie Jennings
Madison Tieben
Junior Fair Prince Contestants:
Thomas Kurek
Alec Sipes