BELLVILLE — Addison Johnson is the youngest of six, but she blazed her own path Wednesday night at the Bellville Street Fair.
Johnson, a first-time competitor, was crowned Bellville Fair Queen.
The 17-year-old said none of her three older sisters ever vied for the crown. It was her friend and fellow contestant, Makenna Wuertz, who encouraged her to give it a try.
“I decided that maybe I could do some good in it and have some opportunities to help the community,” she said. “I’ve always loved volunteering, and so if this gives me another path to helping anyone, I’m super proud.”
Johnson is the daughter of Gary Jr. and Melissa Johnson. She is a senior at Clear Fork High School, where she is a member of the book club, Spanish club, science club, history club, Project Support and art club. She is a varsity tennis player and leader in the kids ministry at Storyside Church.
After receiving her crown, trophy and flowers, Johnson thanked the judges, her family and her fellow contestants.
“(The judges) were so nice in the interview. They really helped my anxiety,” she said.
“I would also like to thank my family for supporting me through this, giving me everything I needed, even when it was hard,” she continued. “And to these girls — they did so amazing. I’m so proud of each and every one of them.”
She said the highlight of the competition was spending time with her fellow competitors.
“They were all so nice. I’m so happy that I got to compete with them, and that I made connections to those who I didn’t already really know, and then hopefully I can continue those friendships afterwards,” she said.
Fair queen competition aims to promote self confidence, director says
This year’s fair queen competition featured four contestants. Pageant director and coordinator Brandy Weyhmeller served as the emcee.
“It’s something that I’ve been involved with for a very, very long time and a day that I look forward to probably the most out of any day of the year,” said Weyhmeller, who was crowned Bellville Fair Queen in 1991.
“What we try to promote is self confidence, leadership, communication skills and volunteering — working throughout the community, going to different fairs and promoting fairs ourselves” she said.
Contestants received half their score from a pre-interview with judges on Sunday.
On Wednesday, they appeared onstage in their ball gowns, introduced themselves and each answered a question about agriculture and the importance of the fair, as well as a second, more lightheaded question submitted by a fellow contestant.
Johnson wore a full length, sage green dress. Weyhmeller asked her where she would travel if she could go anywhere in the world.
She chose Greece.
“There is so much architecture there. It’s so intricate. And I personally love art,” Johnson said.
All fair queen contestants are required to be Clear Fork High School students and have an exhibit entered in the fair.
Johnson’s entry was an acrylic painting that depicts two hands.
“It’s supposed to symbolize love and support,” she said. “I like to do artwork that speaks to me and hopefully speaks to other people.”
Johnson said she’s still figuring out what she wants to pursue after high school. She’s considering the fields of mental health and psychology, animal rehabilitation and fashion design.
Jones, Wuertz selected runners up
Gwen Jones, daughter of Dan and Gretchen Jones, was selected first runner-up. Jones is a senior at Clear Fork High School, where she is a member of the Artisans, history club, art club, and book club. She is active in both school and community theater.
Makenna Wuertz, daughter of Tiffany Dingus and Kenneth Wuertz, was selected second runner-up. Wuertz is a senior at Clear Fork High School, where she’s involved in varsity girls tennis, art club, history club, science club, Project Support and Purple Star.
Below are photos from Wednesday night at the Bellville Street Fair, including the fair queen competition
