Thank you for supporting pageant

To the editor:

As co-chair of the Miss Jay County Fair Queen Pageant, I would like to heartily thank the committee, contestants and community for their support.

The Portland Breakfast Optimist Club proudly recognizes these ladies for their personalities, academic achievements and character: Gabrielle Kunkler, Vivienne Kunkler, Alison Harris, Cerridwen Harris (2019 fan favorite), Shalynn Overholser (2019 Miss Congeniality), Alasandra Brinkerhoff (2019 second runner-up), Katelyn Harris (2019 first runner-up) and the 2019 Miss Jay County Fair Queen Klarisa Hemmelgarn. Our three judges repeatedly told the committee how dedicated, talented, beautiful and well-spoken all contestants were. Very few of these ladies think themselves pageant girls, so it took courage to step out of their comfort zones and commit to having fun in a new way. 

Thank you, Jay County businesses for buying ads for the pageant program. Carl Ronald, Graphic Printing, created a new format that works much better for all of us. I loved hearing businesses say it was a tradition and an honor to be part of the pageant. What a pleasure it is to thank them for their continued dedication to an event that encourages participants to grow through speaking and interviewing skills, poise and confidence.

Jay County Fair Board treated our queen and court like royalty, the Optimists fed them well, and this year Carol and Jim Wendel housed them. The community was tremendously supportive of the queen and court during fair week. Thank you for the little things you did like letting the girls go before you in line or thanking them for their service during the week and congratulating them. The girls were always so thrilled by your compliments and encouragement. 

I greatly appreciated the additional help given by Betsy Muhlenkamp, Britlyn Dues and Lucy Hemmelgarn. They, with the help of 2018 Miss Jay County Sarah Walter and 2014 Miss Jay County Abby Muhlenkamp, ran the rehearsals.

Helen Martin remains a dynamo behind the curtain and behind the scenes. Thank you, Jeff Bowen, Jeff and Tonya Upp, Laurinda Shoupe, Dave Cramer, Carol and Jim Hedges, Don Spencer, Scott Benter, Rosie Grapner, Paul Martin, Bob and Gail Franks, Kyle Love and Dave DeHoff. Special thanks to Swiss City Dance for providing delightful intermission entertainment.

Selling ads is only part of the fundraising necessary to make the Miss Jay County Fair Queen Pageant possible. Sponsors gave generously. First Bank of Berne provided Klarisa’s crown. Scott Benter of Edward Jones donated the gorgeous trophies. Arm’s Auto Body provided the sashes created by Patriot Sportswear. The Flower Nook and Reni’s Heaven Scent Flowers donated the bouquets while Cook’s Nursery decorated the stage. Jewelry was sponsored by Spencer Apartments, First Financial Bank and Dave’s Heating and Cooling. 

Always willing to give of time and talents were Debi Gillespie, Ray Cooney, Charlie Rohrer, Brad Smith, Lori Reece and Thespian Troupe #574. Hallie Shoults, 2019 Miss Indiana State Fair Queen, drove from Benton County to share her journey and encourage Klarisa on her newest adventure. WPGW, The Commercial Review, Graphic Printing, Asbury United Methodist Church, Richard’s Restaurant and Adams Memorial Hospital all gave to our event. Thank you, Jay County Public Library and Jay County High School for providing a safe environment for candidates to receive materials, rehearse and perform.

Our final gratitude is so small in comparison for all they gave for this community, the great Jay County Fair, and the Portland Morning Optimists. Thank you, Sarah Walter (2018 Miss Jay County), Betsy Muhlenkamp (2018 first runner-up), Britlyn Dues (2018 second runner-up), Lucy Hemmelgarn (2018 third runner-up), Alasandra Brinkerhoff (2018 Miss Congeniality) and Shalynn Overholser (2018 fan favorite) for giving your time, talents and candy all year long.

We celebrate the 2019 Miss Jay County Fair Queen Klarisa Hemmelgarn as she begins her journey to the state fair Aug. 11 for Queen Day and Jan. 4 and 5 for the 2020 Indiana State Fair Queen Pageant.

Klarisa welcomes future candidates for the 2020 Miss Jay County Fair Queen Pageant. Materials will be available to ladies ages 17 through 21 at the library and high school beginning in May.

Sincerely,

Carol Knarr Gebert

Miss Jay County Fair Queen Pageant chair