Fall Fair names 2006 Royalty
The bar had been set high for the Queen’s crown in the Fall Fair Queen Pageant, which was evident with the quality of entertainment and the polished presentations by the candidates as they competed in back-to-back events over two days on Aug. 25 and 26.
The foursome got off to a late start this past spring when the pageant committee had difficulty drumming up enough interest among young ladies throughout the valley.
Pageant committee members Carol Jeffreys, Brenda Erhardt, and Amy Landriault could not say enough about the qualities of all four girls as they were put through their paces in front of a capacity crowd both evenings at the Fall Fair Hall in Barriere.
“They have risen to the occasion every time,” said Jefferies who then turned towards the stage, focusing her attention on the four young ladies she had helped groom and nurture, “No matter what the outcome, you are all winners. You will carry everything you’ve learned throughout your life.”
MLA Kevin Krueger addressed the crowd both evenings, espousing the reputation of both the NTFF and the pageant. “The valley would be proud to have any one of you represent them.” He went on to say, “I would do almost anything in support of this fair, except be a judge.” He then turned to the panel of judges, both local and from out of town, “I don’t envy any one of you.” Friday was reserved for the talent and speech competition.
Each girl was escorted on a stage tastefully designed by the committee. Stark in it’s simplicity, the setting was a solid black backdrop. In the centre was a crown depicted in small white lights. “All credit goes to Huntley Cooper,” said Jeffreys, “who approached us and said ‘If you can dream it, I can build it.’” Jeffreys later commented, the stage was designed to demonstrate to the girls, it’s not about the crown, it’s about who is under the crown.
The contestants were escorted on the stage by their sponsors and gave a brief commentary on the benefits of having each in the community, as well as expressing their thanks for the opportunity of completing the program. Performances in talent were varied with Fennell displaying
the art of belly dancing to a song entitled, “My Hips Don’t Lie.” Fraser delivered a tongue in cheek rendition of cowboy poetry regarding a particular 4H steer she was very happy to see end up on the end of a fork. Nystoruk presented a comedy sketch as a French painter, pulling visiting royalty, Miss Logan Lake princess, Kaycee Konowalchuk out of the audience and painting her portrait.
The category was won by Smith who demonstrated sign language to the Celine Dion song, “Because You Loved Me”. Saturday evening the girls presented a unique fashion show which included such categories as an outfit garnished with a budget of $5 and an outfit centered around the theme of the fair, “sheep.” Chuckles were shared by all as the the evening progressed. Communities throughout the province sent ambassadors, both male and female for the events. Each was given the opportunity to address the audience, give a brief talk about their community as well as expressing best wishes to outgoing royalty, Queen Dani Noble and Princess Hayley Holowaychuk and the four contestants.
Also in attendance were all three newly crowned Ambassadors to B.C. Johanna Olson of Revelstoke, Sarah Pickett of Summerland and Vanessa Wittel of Peachland. The pageant, Saturday evening stretched to four hours, peaking with awards for Knowledge (Cailynn Fraser), Speech (Keylea Smith), a Chamber of Commerce Monetary Bursary (Cailynn Fraser), a Friendship award (Shelby Nystoruk), a Rising Star award (Keylea Smith) and finally the crowning of the new royalty.
Miss Barriere Catholic Women’s League, Cailynn Fraser now wears the Queen’s crown alongside with Princess Keylea Smith, Miss AG Foods.