Fair queen adds a little sparkle to big event
You see them at the livestock shows, concerts, contests and throughout the grounds: Fayette County Fair royalty that adds a little bit of sparkle to the already big event. This year’s fair queen is Rebecca Giles, 18, of Belle Vernon. The daughter of Marianne Turcheck and Paul Giles, Rebecca is a recent graduate of Belle Vernon High School and will enter California University of Pennsylvania this fall to study technology education.
“I want to be a shop teacher,’ she smiled, although her mother noted that Rebecca is a tour guide at Fallingwater and also is interested in architecture and engineering.
This year’s fair princess is Kelsey Breakiron, 18, of Hopwood. The daughter of Robin and Randy Breakiron, Kelsey recently graduated from Laurel Highlands High School and plans to attend West Virginia University this fall.
Both youths were thrilled to receive their titles the first night of the fair.
“I was so excited,’ said Rebecca.
“I’m very happy being princess,’ said Kelsey.
Since the contest, the queen and princess have been all over the fairgrounds as they attend events and meet the public.
“The greatest is the little kids coming up to you. They’re so cute,’ said Rebecca.
“The little girls come up and are excited to see you,’ said Kelsey. “They want to take their picture with you.’
In addition, both are 4-H members who also are participating in events. Rebecca entered two lambs in the breeding sheep competition as well as a lamb named Spike in the market lamb judging. Kelsey has been in the pig and lamb clubs for 10 years and the beef club for two years.
It sometimes calls for a little juggling of their schedules.
“I sheared my sheep this morning and had to take a shower and hurry back here for the Hershey Chocolate Cake Contest,’ Rebecca said Sunday.
Kelsey said, “I’m having a blast. I stay at night in the barns, so I’m here from day until night.’
She added, “I love working with the animals and being involved with 4-H. It’s a lot of fun.’
Coming to the fair also means a lot to both youths.
“I was in 4-H and she’s been coming to the fair since before she was born – when she was a twinkle in my eye,’ said Turcheck of Rebecca. “Then she came when she was in a stroller. Her grandparents have a commercial booth here, too. She’s a fair girl through and through.’
Asked why the public enjoys the Fayette County Fair so much, both girls had answers ready.
Kelsey said, “It’s a getaway for everyone. It only comes once a year. We have animals here that many people don’t get to see. There’s shows, carnivals, Mud Mania. We have everything to offer.’
Rebecca said, “There’s such a variety. Moms don’t have to cook dinner. You don’t have to drive to Pittsburgh for entertainment. There’s a petting zoo here and circus. You don’t have to go to Kennywood because there’s a carnival. And it’s very convenient because everything is together and this brings everybody together.’