GAY BROWNLEE
Somerset Co. Correspondent
MEYERSDALE (Somerset
Co.) Eight young women
sought the title of Somerset
County fair queen and through
out the week folks were com
menting that seldom has there
been a field of contestants with
greater poise.
When all was said and done,
the honor fell upon 16-year-old
Natalie Foxwell of Meyersdale.
Overall, she scored highest and
in so doing, also received a
$l,OOO educational scholarship,
plus a smaller one of $lOO for
the poise and appearance
award.
Natalie is the daughter of
Gary and Bonnie Foxwell.
A week paced with shows,
games and awards found her
admitting with a huge smile on
the final day, “Fm a little tired.”
Natalie hadn’t missed a
thing, but with unfailing charm
and grace, demonstrated to the
public, the genuine pride she
has in the Somerset County Fair
and in agriculture.
There were photos with
champion sheep, swine, beef and
dairy animals. There were
grandstand introductions, late
nights and early mornings, but
she loved every minute.
Melissa Schrock, Berlin, the
16-year-old daughter of Ron and
Michelle Schrock, as first-run
ner-up received a $350 scholar
ship and won the speech award.
Melissa was almost as busy
the as the fair queen and indus
triously helped wherever a
princess was needed.
The second runner-up and
winner of a $250 scholarship,
was Jessica Darr, the 18-year
old daughter of Scott and Susan
Darr of Somerset.
Sara Hillegas of Fairhope
won the interview award. She is
Eight Women Vie For Somerset Fair Queen
the 19-year-old daughter of
Ronald and Connie Hillegas.
The remaining contestants
were Mindi Countryman, Becky
Ray, Juliana Hillegass and
Jessica Lynch. Their parents are
David and Linda Countryman,
Berlin; James and Bonnie Ray,
Somerset; Kirk and Tine
Hillegass, Berlin and Gary and
Nancy Lynch, Friedens.
Mary Will, Berlin, who puts
the fair queen contest together,
said she asked the three judges
to bring questions for the girls
with them. After meeting one
another and comparing notes,
the panel agreed on two ques
tions the girls would be asked.
The fair queen contest was
the only time that male fair
directors appeared in suits and
ties.
The 1998 Somerset County
fair queen Julie Sechler who
continues to reign as the
Pennsylvania State Fair Queen,
made numerous appearances
Natalie Foxwell, right, the Somerset County Fair Queen, is pictured with the other
contestants just before the contest at the Somerset County Fair. Julie Sechler cen
ter, outgoing queen later bequeathed the tiara and sash to her successor. From left,
Melissa Schrock, Mindi Countryman, Jessica Darr, Juliana Hillegass, Sechler, Becky
Ray, Sara Hillegas, Jessica Lynch, and Foxwell.
during the week. Secretary of Agriculture, duced to a near capacity grand-
On hand also was State Samuel Hayes who was intro- stand crowd.
York Society 26
York County Society of Farm
Women #26 held its August meet
ing at Country Buffet Restaurant,
York. Sixteen members and three
guests attended.
After lunch, Martha Huston,
president, conducted a business
meeting. Donations were made to
Lancaster Farming, Saturday, September 11, 1999-B5
Berks Executive Board
Berks County Society of Farm
Women’s executive board held its
August meeting at the Berks Coun
ty Ag Center. Twenty-two mem
bers answered roll call to the ques
tion, “What is your favorite most
cherished memory of the summer
of 1999.”
Devotions were by Betty Kis
sling of Group 7.
President Betsy Sattazahn
reported she received a directory
of state services for Women and
Families from State Representa
tive Sheila Miller. Janet Schlegcl
Fairview, Lcwisbeny, Goldsboro,
and Newberrytown fire
companies.
Musical selections were played
by Lauren Conley and Laura
Goodlandcr for the youth meeting
of the year. Cathy Sholly won the
door prize.
reporated on upcoming agri
business events. A candidates’
night will be held September 30,
from 7:30 p.ra.-9:30 p.m. at the Ag
Center. The Farm City banquet
will be held Nov. 4. The executive
board will donate a fruit basket for
this event.
Members were reminded of
Berks Heim Fest to be held Sept.
11, at the Berks Heim Annex,
where members from various
groups will serve food.
Berks County Society of Farm
Women will hold its annual county
convention on Sat. Oct. 2, at the
Ag Center.