Royal excitement

The Jay County Fair has a new queen.

Rachel Heitkamp, a recent graduate of Jay County High School, received the title of Miss Jay County during the annual fair queen pageant Sunday. She took over the crown from 2022 Miss Jay County Sophia Fugiett.

Heitkamp, 18, is a 10-year 4-H member, winning the small animal supreme showmanship competition in 2021. She spent her high school career in both Just Treble and Patriot Edition show choirs, serving as dance captain for two years. She’s also been dancing competitively for seven years.

During the question-and-answer portion of the pageant, Heitkamp named her fifth grade teacher, Kristen Gibson, as a positive influence in her life. (Gibson currently works at Bloomfield Elementary School.)

“She has taught me that it is not only important to be book-smart but also to be street-smart,” said Heitkamp.

Her plans are to attend Ball State University in the fall for theatre creation. She aims to pursue a career in musical theater and someday own a dance studio. Heitkamp currently works as an assistant preschool ballet teacher and helps with Muncie Civic Theatre. She was sponsored by Valentine Feed and Supply.

Heitkamp cited encouragement, confidence, youth support and female empowerment when asked what it means to be queen.

“(It’s) honestly to know you have the confidence to achieve your goals,” she said.

Heitkamp said she wants to extend her reach beyond the fair to extend the program next year.

“I would love to go more than just the fair and the parades, but actually get into the school systems and talk to the young girls, get them excited about the pageant and hopefully create a future for the pageant,” she said.

Fugiett shared a few words on stage prior to crowning her successor. She thanked Portland Optimists, Jay County Fair Board and others involved in the pageant.

“(It) truly was the best fair week I’ve ever had,” said Fugiett. “From slapping the grand junior barrow to eating an unlimited amount of corn and having the opportunity to hand out ribbons to my brother and cousins who were showing were some of the most special (memories),” she said.

She recalled her activities over the last year at the fair, parades and Little Miss Winterfest pageant. Fugiett noted she injured herself minutes before competing at Indiana State Fair in January.

“I gathered everyone up and stood on a folding chair, thinking I could take the picture and all would be well,” she said. “As I clicked the button, the folding chair folded up, smashed my knee and I fell straight to the ground … thankfully I was OK, just a swollen and bruised knee for the weekend. Shout out to the pantyhose for covering that up.”

Miss Jay County’s annual duties include various activities at Jay County Fair, which begins July 7 this year with carnival rides, a husband calling contest and a performance by Heartland.