The Miss Albemarle County Fair Scholarship Pageant took place on June 30, 2007. What an amazing experience! After having practice the weekend before, I had spent the week preparing my 30 second speech for interview and practicing my walks and the opening number.
I felt really good about my interview. My speech went well and the judges were so friendly and easy to talk to. They asked me questions about my speech on Albemarle County and about various items on my application/bio sheet. My 30 second speech went as follows:
"From the beauty of the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains to the charm of Downtown Charlottesville, Albemarle County is, without question, a wonderful place to live. Albemarle County's versatility proves to be an impressive quality, as its citizens can enjoy dining, arts, and entertainment comparable to that of large cities, with beautiful countryside as a backdrop. This unique balance between rural and metropolitan, infused with charm only a college town can provide, is why I am proud to call Albemarle County my home."
After my interview, I stopped by Smoothie King to visit my friend Rachel K. and grab something to eat. Then it was over to the Charlottesville Performing Arts Center to practice for the evening's competition!
The pageant began with an adorable line dance/opening number to "Rock My World Little Country Girl". I wore a black cocktail dress and western boots. Next came casual wear, in which I modeled chocolate brown Bermuda shorts, a white cotton tank with brown and gold designs, a tan beaded necklace, and brown espadrille wedges. Following casual wear was the evening gown competition. I wore a beautiful light pink beaded gown. Many thanks to Amber C. for helping me out backstage, whether it be curling my hair, gluing my dress to my sides, or just giving me moral support!
Following the gown modeling, all nine contestants were ushered back onstage for a surprise game of "Who's Your Daddy". All fathers and significant others were (somewhat forcefully) brought onstage and paired to their delegates with audience support. That was a lot of fun!
Finally the moment we had all been waiting for came: The Crowning. As our hearts beat heavily in our chests, they announced Adria as the Photogenic Competition winner and Taylor as Miss Congeniality, as voted on by all the contestants. Alana was awarded 2nd Runner Up and Meredith was named 1st Runner Up. Congratulations Adria, Taylor, Alana, and Meredith! Next Karla, The Anniversary Queen and Emcee, announce that contestant number 6 was Miss Albemarle County Fair Queen 2007! I had won!
As I had already competed in two pageants, making Top Seven in the first and 1st Runner Up in the second, I had imagined this moment so many times. However, it still felt unreal as I walked forward, hugged the reigning Miss ACF, Kelly, and had the crown pinned to my head, the sash placed over my shoulder, and the trophy placed in front of me. Hearing cheers from my friends and family in the crowd was so amazing! Many thanks to my friends, Ally H., Anna W., Rita H., Carly A., and Amber C., my boyfriend James, my parents Beth and Andy, my sister Courtney, Mrs. Luck, and Mrs. Amburn. I appreciated your support so much!
I then took pictures with the runners up, the Teen, Pre-Teen, Little, and Baby Miss ACFs, and my friends and family. After thanking the judges, I took my awards and an armful of flowers back to the dressing room to change and clean up. After the pageant, the Albemarle County Fair Board took my mom and I out to dinner at Rhett's. Thank you so much for the delicious meal!
I am so excited to spend the year as Miss Albemarle County Fair Queen 2007. I can't wait to attend the fair July 31-August 5, travel to Williamsburg for state competition in January, and promote my platform, Crohn's and Colitis, throughout my reign. I hope to be able to make a difference in our community. Thanks again to everyone who supported me at the pageant, Esther for organizing the pageant, and the judges for giving me this opportunity. I'm looking forward to an amazing year!
