A rainy afternoon did nothing to dampen spirits during the Bellville Street Fair’s Fair Queen Contest on Wednesday. Fairgoers gathered beneath umbrellas to watch as seven contestants from Clear Fork High School vied for the crown, and many weathered the torrent to see Susie Beveridge crowned 2014 Bellville Fair Queen.
Beveridge is a senior at Clear Fork High School and a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions, the Science Club, and is a Senior Ambassador, as well as a flag corps member. Beveridge also works as a waitress at the V&M Restaurant in Bellville.
Beveridge competed against Allisa Schuller, Jenna Mascazzini, Blaine Scharver, Audra Delaney, Cheyenne Smith-Raines, and Camryn Crill.
Scharver, a Clear Fork High School Senior, took first runner up, and Smith-Raines, also a Clear Fork High School Senior, took second runner up.
Crill and Mascazzini participated in the contest last year, with Mascazzini placing first runner up at that time.
When asked what inspired them to participate in this year’s contest, Schuller replied, “Just to be a role model to the community.” The other contestants added that the whole experience wasn’t really about the pageant, but more about making new friends, personal improvement, and inspiring others, as well as being a part of the fair.
The contestants noted that, to be a participant, one must be 16 years of age, attend Clear Fork High School, and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.
Brandy Weyhmeller, who held the title of Bellville Fair Queen in 1991, has been directing the contest for seven years. “It’s always great. The girls are fantastic; they always have so much fun. And who doesn’t want to have fun with great leaders and young ladies in the community,” she said.
After introducing themselves, each contestant was asked a random question by Weyhmeller. Beveridge’s question was, “Who inspires you, and why?” She responded that her mother inspires her most, is raising four children and doing a great job, and Beveridge really looks up to her.
During intermission, as the judges deliberated, several Clear Fork cheerleading squads entertained the crowd, including the Pony League, Clear Fork Middle School, and Clear Fork High School cheerleaders.
In celebration of the 40th year of the Fair Queen Contest, several former queens took the stage during intermission, including Robin Woodward-Grove, who held the distinguished honor of being the very first Bellville Fair Queen, crowned in 1974.
Regan Marshall, Miss Teen Blueberry and Weyhmeller’s daughter, was present to crown Beveridge, as the 2013 Bellville Fair Queen, Darby George, was unavailable.
After being crowned, Beveridge said, “I would like to be at the fair as much as I can, just to be an influence to little girls and answer anyone’s questions.” She noted that her brother is showing pigs at the fair and she plans to be there to support him, as well.
The rain did cause the Clear Fork Marching Band to cancel its appearance for the evening, and the crowds thinned out quickly after the Fair Queen Contest as the rain continued.
Thursday evening’s entertainment includes the Marching Princesses at 6 p.m., followed by the Buckeye Country Cloggers at 7:30 p.m. More information can be found at the website.
