Retrospect: Queen competition included bale tossing

Thirty years ago, Bryant Days held its queen contest. But it was no average pageant.

There was no gown or swimsuit competition and there was not a huge crowd watching the candidates smile and answer impromptu questions. Instead, they competed in an untraditional manner.

The 1987 Bryant Days country queen contest had five competitions: nail driving, hay bale tossing, an obstacle course, cookie baking and a personal interview. There were four girls who competed in the country-style contest.

The most challenging competition for the contestants was the hay throwing contest, and it was the most entertaining of the watchers as well. The crowd yelled advice as the girls attempted to pick up the hay and throw it as far as they could. Each contestant had a different strategy, and some of them struggled to even lift it from the ground.

The winner of the hay toss competition, Linda Davidson, had a toss of 142 inches.

Jenny Link was crowned as Bryant Days queen, receiving a crown, three roses, a banner and a trophy.

Bryant Days was an event that celebrated the town, and the queen contest was a way to get involved.

“I thought it would be neat to do something at Bryant Days,” said Link.