Girls vie for queen, princess titles at Dayton Fair
The Dayton Fair will hold its annual queen and princess contest on two consecutive Sundays this year. On Sunday, a tea will be held at the Marshall House in Dayton. Contestants will complete the interview and speech portion of the contest. On Aug. 16, the contest will be continued at 6:30 p.m. at the grandstand on the Dayton Fairgrounds. Contestants will wear an evening gown, give a short introduction and answer an impromptu question on stage.
On Aug. 10, 2008, Steffani Huff was crowned the 2008 Dayton Fair Queen. A native of Dayton and daughter of Tom and Tawnya Huff, she graduated from West Shamokin High School in 2007 and attends St. Vincent College. Before deciding to run for queen, she was involved in the fair participating in the Dayton Livestock 4-H Club showing steers for 11 years.
"Participating in 4-H and showing made me appreciate the amount of work that goes into the agriculture industry" she said. Since being crowned she has participated in many events promoting the Dayton Fair. "I've been in several parades, attended several festivals, participated in Farm-City Days in Harrisburg and the State Competition in Hershey."
She said her most memorable moment as fair queen was being named Miss Congeniality at the state competition.
"I hope it reflects the kind of people that live in Armstrong County," she said.
At the start of the Dayton Fair on Aug. 16, Huff will pass her crown on to another lucky girl who will carry the title of the 2009 Dayton Fair Queen.
"It's going to be a bittersweet moment when I pass on the crown. It has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I am very grateful to have had. To girls who are considering running, go for it. It's a great opportunity to represent an event and industry that is very important to our county."
The 2008 Dayton Fair Princess was Gabrielle Kriley, daughter of Bill and Sandy Kriley of Cowansville. She says she has had so much fun promoting the fair throughout the year. She has been to many local parades, passed out candy and attended various festivals and events all over the Armstrong County area. Her favorite part about being the princess was the free ice cream at the fair and getting to sing "Happy Birthday" to her father at the demolition derby. Although she says she had a great year being princess, she looks forward to passing on the crown to the new princess next Sunday.
There are eight young women competing for the title of 2009 Dayton Fair Queen. Each contestant must be 16-20 years of age and live in Armstrong County or attend a school or 4-H club in the county.
• Kelsey Blose of Home is the 17-year-old daughter of Joleen and Steve Lieb and Roger Blose. She enjoys basketball, track and field, 4-H, Swarm Club, Student Council, Business Club, Health Expo and SADD.
• Gabrielle Carillo of Templeton is 16 and the daughter of Ruben and Luann Carillo. She participates in 4-H, tennis, Leo Club and Starfish.
• Jenna Drummond of New Bethlehem is 16 years old and the daughter of Scott and Shelly Drummond. Jena is involved in 4-H, Dayton Glade Run Youth Group, volleyball, softball, basketball and SADD.
• Sarah Kasanicky, 19, is the daughter of Joseph and Debbie Kasanicky of Leechburg. She is a server at church and a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, Student Council for Exceptional Children, Clarion Activity Board, PSEA, National Junior Swine Association, Pennsylvania Cattleman's Association and National Cattlemen's Beef Association. She is a certified lifeguard.
• Leya Ramer, 17, is the daughter of Luke and Jill Ramer of Kittanning. She belongs to 4-H, Student Council, Lions Club, Apple Bee Pond and Elderton Presbyterian Church. She participates in an art club and tutors for Big Brothers/Sisters.
• Jocelyn Reid, 17, is the daughter of Scott and Lynnann Reid of Apollo. She participates in Key Club, French and German Club, track and field, Powder Puff Football, choir, student government, in-school broadcasting and 4-H.
• Savannah Rugh of Punxsutawney is the 19-year-old daughter of William and Beverly Rugh. Besides working, she spends her time with 4-H, barrel racing, state beef shows, Powder Puff Football and Girl Scouts.
• Chelsea Schultheis of Kittanning is 18 and the daughter of Chris and Jenni Schultheis. In addition to working, she participates in Leo Club, band, 4-H, Big Brothers/Sisters tutoring, SADD, Student Council, Color Guard Squad, softball, basketball and volleyball. She attends and volunteers at Christ Rupp Lutheran Church.
The Princess contestants must be 5 to 8 years old. The eight girls competing for the 2009 title are:
• Lynea Boyer, 6, daughter of Angela and Alexander Boyer of Dayton.
• Madysen Ewing, 7, daughter of Rebecca Petrini and Scott Dobbins of Punxsutawney.
• Tori Gearhart, 5, daughter of Jerome and Melissa Gearhart of Marion Center.
• Martina Houser, 6, daughter of Heath and Jill Houser of Dayton.
• Samantha Kriley, 5, daughter of Bill and Sandy Kriley of Cowansville.
• Morgan Rhodes, 6, daughter of Clint and Julie Rhodes of Kittanning.
• Alexandra Schultheis, 7, daughter of Chris and Jenni Schultheis of Kittanning.
• Grace Wadding, 8, daughter of Brian and Holly Wadding of Dayton.
The Dayton Fair is the only fair in Armstrong County. Organizers say that during the week the fair attracts 30,000-40,000 people to the county. At the fair, people have the chance to see and pet many different animals, ride carnival rides and watch a wide array of entertainment in front of the grandstands.
