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2016 Jacktown Fair Queen reflects on year of royalty

By Jon Stevens, For The Greene County Messenger 3 min read
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It has been a busy and productive year for Laura Wise.

It all began last July for the 19-year-old daughter of Mary Ellen and Andy Wise of Graysville when she was crowned the 2016 Jacktown Fair Queen.

“This past year has gone by so fast,” said the soon-to-be sophomore at Slippery Rock University. “But it is a year filled with so many memories.”

Those memories will be with her for a lifetime, and as the Jacktown Fair — the oldest continuous running fair in the nation — prepares to kick off its 152nd year next week, Laura reflected on her year-long reign as queen.

The highlight, of course, came when the crown was placed on her head by 2015 Miss Jacktown Fair Queen Marissa Rode. But once the pomp and excitement of the crowning ended, it was time for Laura to begin her duties.

“I grew up in Graysville, which isn’t that far from the fairgrounds,” she said. “And my dad worked on a farm, but I was clueless when it came to working in the livestock barns and handing out ribbons. I learned a lot that week.”

Laura’s responsibilities did not end at the conclusion of the fair. She attended other county fairs and Rain Day, rode in parades and competed in a state pageant in Hershey that all county fair queens must attend.

She said she is not quite sure how she will feel when she places the crown on the 2017 fair queen. Saturday is the rehearsal, Sunday is the pageant and Tuesday is the crowning.

“I am trying not to think about that just now,” she said.

However, Laura will have to pass on the title to either Courtney Ross, 16, daughter of Steven and Brandie Ross of Aleppo, or Haley Pierson, 18, daughter of Julie Whipkey and Johnny Pierson.

“I know both of the girls and what I will tell the winner is always remember that you represent the community,” she said. “This is more than about you.”

Laura also said the new fair queen is going to come in contact with a lot of people, many she does not know.

“New relationships are going to be built. It will be an unbelievable experience,” she said. “I know I have grown up a lot during this past year.”

Laura is majoring in middle level education mathematics. She is involved in the Middle Level Education Association Club, was the treasurer of House Counsel for her building her freshman year and joined Alpha Sigma Tau helping to raise money for Morgan’s Army.

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