Thank you for supporting pageant

To the editor:

The Miss Jay County Fair Queen Pageant was again a success this year. 

This county has a representative for the Indiana State Fair Pageant thanks to the work of Portland Breakfast Optimist Club, which proudly sponsored the event for the 43rd year, and Jay County Fair Board.

We congratulate 2018 Queen Sarah Walter, first runner-up Elizabeth Muhlenkamp, second runner-up Britlyn Dues, third runner-up Lucy Hemmelgarn, Miss Congeniality Alasandra Brinkerhoff and fan favorite Shalynn Overholser. New this year was the addition of fan favorite, which allowed contestants to raise over $600 for non-profit organizations. Our contestants sponsored these organizations: Reins of Faith, Sarah Walter; Wounded Warriors, Serrena McCaffery; Jay County Pregnancy Care Center, Lucy Hemmelgarn; Friends and Family of Jay County Special Olympics, Britlyn Dues; Jay County High School choirs, Shalynn Overholser; Midwest Pet Refuge, Alasandra Brinkerhoff; Riley Children’s Hospital, Mallary Castillo; and Best Buddies, Zoe Brotherton.

Sponsors’ contributions make possible the contestants’ participation. This year’s sponsors were: Adam’s Physical Therapy and Hartzell Farms, Sarah Walter; Slim Fisher Studios and Pin-ups Studio, Serrena McCaffery; Homestead Quality Bedding, Lucy Hemmelgarn; Jay County FFA, Elizabeth Muhlenkamp; Friends and Family of Jay County Special Olympics, Britlyn Dues; WPGW Radio, Shalynn Overholser; TJ’s Jammin’ Tunes and Thespian Troupe #574, Alasandra Brinkerhoff; Buffalo Wings & Rings and Fortkamp Farms, Mallary Castillo; and Dave Wendel of Padua Pub, Zoe Brotherton.

The queen pageant committee would also like to thank First Bank of Berne for the Miss Jay County Fair Queen crown, Scott Benter of Edward Jones for the trophies, B & G Pool and Spa for the sashes made by Patriot Sportswear, The Flower Nook for the flowers and Spencer Apartments and First Financial Bank for jewelry for each contestant. Cook’s Nursery provided plants and stage decorations along with Rosie Grapner’s backdrop.

Producing a pageant includes rehearsals, banquet and application. Jay County High School and custodian Brad Smith provided a lovely space for a pageant. Asbury United Methodist Church’s women’s group, sound engineer Alex Huey and emcee Don Spencer put together a banquet with special guest Indiana State Fair Queen Audrey Campbell. Reni’s Heaven Scent Flowers donated the roses and bud vases. Richard’s Restaurant catered our Judges’ Dinner. We also thank the Jay County Public Library and Jay County High School for distributing and collecting applications. 

Without publicity, sound, lighting and photography, our pageant would not be possible. We thank Rob Weaver of WPGW Radio, Ray Cooney of The Commercial Review, Lori Reece and Jay Today, Debi Gillespie, Charlie Rohrer, Adams Memorial Hospital and Catherine Stafford. Our parades would lack signage without Display Craft. We are grateful to the 72 local businesses and individuals who purchased advertising for this year’s program.

I cannot thank enough the 2017 Queen and court, Abigail Saxman, Megan Wellman, Brooke Sanders, Ashley Alig and Jessica Kerrigan. Their help along with Abby Muhlenkamp, Miss Jay County 2014, Lyla Muhlenkamp, Miss Jay County 2016, and Tina Easton Schweiterman, Miss Jay County 1986, helped the contestants gain knowledge, experience and grace. The Optimists who served on the committee — Bob and Gail Franks, Bill and Carol Hedges, Jeff Bowen, Paul and Helen Martin, Anna Culy, Dave Cramer, Scott Benter, Carl Walker, Rosie Grapner and Lee Newman — helped with interview timing and loose ends. Extra gratitude to Eldon Campbell, 2017 Portland Breakfast Optimist of the Year, and Mark Henshaw, rookie of the year. Special thanks to Julie Hunt for guiding me through my first year as event chairperson.  

Having taught all nine ladies, I am partial to all candidates and their families. They gave of their time and talents, for which I will be forever grateful. I wish we had nine crowns. Please give recognition to all contestants for a job well done not only in the pageant, but also for their character, brilliance and beauty. Each holds a special place for Jay County in her heart.  

Please, support and thank our sponsors, donors and businesses who made the 2018 Miss Jay County Fair Queen Pageant possible. You will see Miss Jay County 2018, the court and fan favorite at the Jay County Fair, Jay County Band Contest and upcoming parades.

Sincerely,

Carol Knarr Gebert

Event chairperson

Portland Breakfast Optimist Club