Fair queen, princess are friends enjoying roles
Fayette County Fair Queen Gabrielle Springer and Fayette County Fair Princess Sarah Scully have known each other for a long time. “We’ve been going to school together since the second grade,” said Springer, who explained they were both students at Franklin Elementary, Ben Franklin School and just graduated from Uniontown Area Senior High School. And now the two have an opportunity to share a great adventure as they pass out ribbons, announce musical acts and meet with the public this week on the Dunbar Township fairgrounds.
Springer, 18, is the daughter of John and Stephanie Springer of Vanderbilt. She plans to attend Westmoreland County Community College in the spring to study radiology.
Scully, 18, is a daughter of Jim and Sherry Springer of Franklin Township. She plans to enter Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, this fall to major in physical therapy.
Both girls were thrilled to receive their crowns on the first night of the fair.
Springer follows in the footsteps of her sister, Amanda, who was crowned fair queen in 2003.
“That made me want to do it,” Springer said. “This was my first time to try.”
Scully, who also tried the contest last year, said, “I was completely surprised. I was thinking it’s OK if you don’t win and then they called my name.”
During the competition, Scully also received an award for best speech in which she compared the fair to a pumpkin patch.
Springer talked about the history of the fair for her speech, using history as the seeds to produce a fair in full bloom, which is the theme of this year’s fair.
Both young women said they have long enjoyed coming to the fair. Springer has been involved in 4-H for nine years with swine, lamb and goat projects. Scully has been in the swine club for five years.
They are putting in long days but relishing every moment.
“I’ve been sleeping overnight in my camper,” said Springer. “I’m up at 7:30 (a.m.), getting breakfast and waiting for her.”
“I live 10 minutes away and I’m here by 8 (a.m.),” said Scully.
“We’ve passed out so many ribbons,” said Springer.
They talked about the musical acts they’ve introduced and the thrill it was to meet The Clarks, as well as events in the Outdoor Arena and visiting competitions – such as angel food cake – that they never had been to before.
Springer said, “We do what we always did but now we have a job, too. We get to do everything.”
What do they like about being fair royalty?
Scully said, “I like all the little girls. Last night, a girl asked me if I was a real princess.”
Springer said, “I like people recognizing me. Usually I’m a girl at the fair. Now I’m the fair queen.” Gabrielle Springer (seated), 18, daughter of John and Stephanie Springer of Vanderbilt, is the 2009 Fayette County Fair Queen, and Sarah Scully, 18, daughter of Jim and Sherry Scully of Franklin Township, is the 2009 Fayette County Fair Princess. Ed Cope/Herald-Standard