BELLVILLE — When asked about the best part of the fair queen competition, Merista Brown didn’t mention a shining crown or onstage victory.
Instead, the camaraderie and kindness the candidates shared off-stage has been her favorite part so far.
“Before we got up on stage the first time, we were all just supporting each other and saying, ‘You got this,'” said Brown, who was crowned the 51st Bellville Fair Queen Wednesday night.
Brown said she chose to compete because she wanted to make positive memories.
“I didn’t expect to win. There’s so many lovely girls,” she said. “I was just doing it for fun, but here I am.”
Brown is a senior softball player and member of the FFA. She attends the Knox County Career Center, where she is a part of the metal fabrication and welding program.
She plans to continue welding after high school and pursue a career in agriculture. In her free time, she also enjoys fishing, hunting, baking, cooking and riding quads.
For her fair project, Brown entered a pecan pie in the baking competition.
“My family said it was really hard to make one, and I said, ‘I’m going to make one anyway,'” she said.
She’s looking forward to the myriad of opportunities she’ll enjoy as fair queen.
“I’m looking forward to getting to meet all the people in the community, as many as I can, and show up to as many events as I can and support the town,” she said.
“I love how loving and supportive this town is. I can’t wait to help them out in the future.”
‘We’re looking for a well-rounded girl’
Brandy Weyhmeller, who won the Bellville Fair Queen title in 1991, directed and was Master of Ceremonies for the competition.
Weyhmeller said each contestant participated in a personal interview with judges on Sunday, which accounted for half their score.
Judges asked students about their extracurricular activities, community involvement and plans for the future.
“The biggest thing is, ‘What’s their involvement in the community?’ Not just the fair, but what do you do? We’re looking for that well-rounded girl,” Weyhmeller said.
On Wednesday, contestants appeared onstage in their ball gowns, introduced themselves and answered questions about agriculture and the importance of the fair.
In an added twist, each contestant also answered a second, more lighthearted question offered by a fellow contestant.
Brown was asked, ‘If you could be any fair food, what would you be and why?’ She chose pizza.
“It’s so fun and you can do so many things with it,” she said. “If there’s pizza involved, you’re already having a good time.”
More fair coverage
Competition included six contestants
Lauren Perry was first runner-up. Perry is a senior at Clear Fork High School and attends the Knox County Career Center. She wants to become a floral designed and open her own flower shop in the future. Perry is an FFA officer and a member of the Clear Fork Valley Guard.
Gwyneth Jones was second runner up. Jones is a junior at Clear Fork High School and began taking college classes this year. Her dream career would be to work at the NASA studying microscopic life on Mars or to work in the art world. She is a member of the Clear Fork Artisans, art club and history club. Jones is also on the school newspaper and yearbook staff. She volunteers at her church and is active in perfuming and volunteering at the Mansfield Playhouse.
Other contestants included Jazmine Spayde, April Berry and Chloee Steward.
When asked what her advice to future contestants would be, Brown emphasized authenticity and stage presence.
“Do as much as you can on stage. (The judges) are watching your every move,” she said. “In the interview, just be yourself. They’re going to love you for who you are.”
