Fair queen honor’s all in the family
Christie Regula of Brownfield is following in the family footsteps by claiming the title of 2002 Fayette County Fair Queen. She received the crown from her cousin, Megan Regula, also of Brownfield, who was the 2001 fair queen. Christie’s older sister Rae Lynn served as fair queen three years ago.
And Christie’s cousin Sarah is this year’s Fayette County Lamb and Wool Queen.
“The fair’s always been a big part of my summer,’ said Christie, the 19-year-old daughter of Ed and Toni Regula. “I love the opportunity to represent the fair and promote the fair, especially to people who have never been here or come here and don’t know what it’s all about.’
Speaking about the family connection, Sarah commented the fair is special to the Regulas because they’ve always enjoyed it as a family.
“It’s something special because we’ve done it all our lives,’ said Sarah, 18, the daughter of Tony and Marsha Regula.
The two Regulas can be seen about the Fayette County Fair in tiaras and sashes, along with Angela Stump of Fairchance, who is one of four 2002 Pennsylvania Lamb and Wool Princesses. Angela, the daughter of Mike and Darla Stump, was last year’s Fayette County Lamb and Wool Queen and took on her new title at this year’s state show. She is one of four princesses throughout the state in addition to the state queen.
The three royals are easily spotted, passing out ribbons at various competitions and walking throughout the fairgrounds as they greet fairgoers with warm smiles.
Of the three, Christie has the most demanding schedule as she’s responsible for being at most fair events.
“I’m at the livestock shows. I’m also at the contests, like chocolate cake and apple pie.
“At night, there’s musical acts and in the outdoor arena, there’s motorcross and demolition derbies,’ she said.
But all three of the young women enjoy the fair and are here from early in the morning until late at night.
“I get here around 8 and I’m done with things I have to do about 9, but I don’t leave,’ said Christie. “I stay until about 10 or 11.’
“I’m here everyday because we have different animals,’ said Sarah. “Sometimes we stay overnight. It just depends on how busy we get.’
Christie completed 11 years in 4-H in 2001, working with market steer, lamb and pig projects.
“It was great, such a good learning experience. Everyone in 4-H is wonderful,’ she said.
“It’s all about helping people. Everyone does what they can for each other.’
Christie is now a sophomore at Duke University in Durham, N.C., majoring in pre-med. She is a 2001 graduate of Laurel Highlands High School.
Her older sister Rae Lynn is in her first year of law school at West Virginia University.
Sarah is now in her 10th year in 4-H and will still be eligible to participate next year.
Her projects include market lamb and hog. She also shows horses and is in sewing and food and nutrition clubs.
A graduate of Laurel Highlands High School, Sarah plans to attend West Virginia University this fall to major in animal science. Her sister Megan studies agricultural science at Penn State University where she is a junior.
Angela is a senior at Albert Gallatin High School and studies agriculture at the Fayette County Area Vocational-Technical School. She plans to study to become a veterinary technician at Median School in Pittsburgh and later return to school to study zoology.
Angela has raised sheep for 12 years and been involved with 4-H for nine years.
Her 4-H projects include breeding sheep and market lambs as well as rabbits and the Teen County Council and the judging club.
Asked what she likes about the fair, Angela said, “It’s a family tradition. We come every year and spend time together.’