Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Suess, once said: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened”.
As a pageant queen, I have a lot of experience with smiling, and I could even be considered an expert. One year ago, I stood onstage, waiting for the results to be announced, smiling despite the butterflies in my stomach, pain in my feet, and bright lights in my eyes. I beamed as my name was called and I was crowned Miss Albemarle County Fair 2007. The moment was surreal, and as I walked off the stage, I couldn’t have even guessed how many moments I would smile in the next year…
Laughs and smiles were never hard to come by at the fair. It was great to see so many people from our community come together and have a good time amongst the Ferris wheels, livestock tents, and funnel cakes. A personal highlight was the pie eating contest. Unfortunately, I didn’t win, but did end up with some pretty attractive pictures. I also had the opportunity to meet Jason Michael Carrol and sit in the front row when he performed at the fair, which was really cool!
Helping out with Special Needs Day was a unique opportunity. As I decorated cookies and went on the carousel with the children, my heart was warmed by the joy on their faces. Their smiles were contagious and reminded us why the hard work of organizing the fair is worthwhile.
Senior Citizen Day also left us grinning. I really enjoyed handing out the door prizes and chatting with the attendees. The event is just one more way the fair reaches out to everyone in the community.
After the tents were taken down and the rides off to their next destination, I found myself looking towards the Miss Virginia Association of Fairs pageant. After four short months of preparation, my mom, Esther, Laverne, Kelly, and I were in Williamsburg having a blast! Carol joined us in our thankfulness that Outback stays open late, and who knew that Applebee’s, Rack Room, Ross could provide so much entertainment in one night? Miss VAF was a fun-and-laughter-filled experience I will never forget.
Since returning to Albemarle County, I have been developing and promoting my platform, “Get Involved!” I had the opportunity to speak to rising freshman at Albemarle High School during their orientation this spring. I discussed the benefits of extracurricular involvement and encouraged the students to get involved. I also organized an Activities Fair with the help of AHS Leadership Classes that showcased the different clubs and groups and provided information on how to join. The event was a huge success and will become a standard element in orientation. Promoting my platform was a rewarding experience that I hope to continue in the future.
There are so many people that have brought a smile to my face or helped me out throughout the past year. I can only hope that I have touched others in serving as Miss Albemarle County Fair.
First of all, I’d like to thank God for the opportunities and gifts He has provided me. Without Him, I would not be standing here today.
I’d also like to extend a huge thank you to the Albemarle County Fair Board and the Fair’s sponsors. Thank you all for this wonderful opportunity and for allowing me to represent your organization.
Lynnley: Thank you for taking over the pageant! All your hard work is much appreciated. I know the new queens will have a wonderful year with you. I’m glad we got to work together, even if it was a short time!
Abby, Tanner, Jordan, and Candice: I had so much fun with you girls this year! The fair was a blast and I enjoyed lamenting over how tired our arms would get from waving during parades!
Kelly: Thank you for everything you’ve done this past year. You were always willing to help me and we always had a lot of fun together!
Karla: I don’t know what I would have done without you! I really enjoyed spending time with you at the fair. I’ll never forget how we tried fried oreos and snickers together and all the fun we had at the Jason Michael Carrol concert!
Carol: Thank you for always being so thoughtful. You are always willing and ready to lend a helping hand. I had a ton of fun promoting the fair, despite the early hours! Thank you for all you have done.
Laverne: You are such a sweet person and I had so much fun with you this year. I’ll never forget all our fun times at VAF and I hope we stay in touch.
James: Thank you for always being there to support me. I appreciate your endurance of all the sparkles, dresses, hairspray, and heels. It’s good to know I always have someone rooting for me.
Courtney: Who would have thought that the girl who complained about sitting through pageants would be competing in one today? Thank you for watching me walk around in circles, even if you were bored. I love you sissy!
Dad: Aren’t you glad you didn’t have to get on stage this year? Thank you for all your behind-the-scenes support. Thank you for hanging out with me at the fair and for letting mom and I go on our dress shopping trips. Thanks for always helping out in any way that you can, including carrying around your favorite easel. I love you!
Mom: Thank you for not being a pageant mom. I can honestly say I am glad you prefer to support me from the audience rather than backstage. Thank you for getting up as early as I had to, enduring the heat of the fair, and trekking out to Williamsburg with me. Thank you for always being there to talk, to tell me which dresses should be put in the “no” pile, and to put a smile on my exhausted face. You’re the best non-pageant mom a girl could ask for, and I love you.
Esther: How many roles can one woman fill? You are much more than a director—you are my pageant mom, hair emergency fixer, travel companion, wardrobe consultant…the list could go on and on… I would have been completely lost without your guidance this year. Thank you for coaching me through VAF and allowing it to still be so much fun. Most of all, thank you for being supportive and for being my friend.
To all the contestants: Keep smiling! You have all done an amazing job today, so be proud of yourselves! I’m glad I got to meet all of you and I wish you all the best of luck!
To the new Miss Albemarle County Fair: Don’t let a moment pass you by. Take advantage of all the opportunities ahead of you and have fun! Remember that being a queen is more than just the crown and sash and act accordingly. Continue to be a role model for other young women and girls and strive to make an impact. The sparkle and shine will fade and tarnish, but your actions will live on. Good luck!
It feels like only yesterday I was admiring my glittery new crown and looking forward to the fair. As I flash forward and my year comes to a close, I choose to smile. Looking back on all the memories I have made makes me thankful for all the opportunities I was given. Thank you for allowing me to be your Miss Albemarle County Fair 2007!
