Aug 11, 2009 3 min read

Rain didn’t detract from Monday night’s opening night festivities at the 30th annual Dawson Grange Community Fair. “There are a lot of people despite the rain,” fair committee chairman Carol Reed said. The fair opened officially at 6 p.m. Monday evening with a few opening statements, followed by a horse show, which continued throughout the evening despite a strong, lasting downpour. The show featured over 30 contestants.

The fair queen competition was held at 7 p.m., starting with a brief introductory speech from the 2008 queen Stephanie Stone.

Only two contestants entered this year’s contest: Danielle Stimmel and Emily Marchewka.

The rules and regulations for the contest follow state contest regulations. Contestants are also required to present a 3- to 5-minute speech on what the fair means to them. The girls are judged not on beauty but on their speeches as well as the way they present themselves. Girls who are involved with the fair are automatically awarded 25 points.

“They deserve it,” Reed said.

Marchewka was declared the winner. She is the fair’s 23rd queen. In her speech, she spoke mainly of the community aspect of the fair.

“The fair allows the community to come together,” she said. She later added, “Memories that I have created here have come to last a lifetime.”

Marchewka was surprised she won.

“I really was not expecting this,” she said.

She was presented with a sash and tiara. She and Stimmel both also received a bouquet of sunflowers.

Marchewka’s duties as queen will include helping the fair vendors and passing out candy to children. She also has the opportunity to enter the state competition in Hershey in January.

“It breaks my heart to have two girls and have to name one queen,” Reed said after Marchewka won. “These girls are both queen-worthy.”

Although this was only the first night of the fair, Reed feels it’s going great so far.

“We’re very optimistic,” she said. “We’re confident this year will be one of the best.”

Because parking and admission are all free, most of the fair’s profits come from the concession stand. Because of the state funding cut, these profits are essential.

The fair also features food vendors, games, crafts, and vendors selling T-shirts, jewelry, purses and other items.

The Chris Higbee Project was scheduled to perform but was postponed due to the rain.

The fair continues tomorrow with judging of exhibits in the morning, an ATV obstacle course at 6 p.m. and King Wolf Karaoke at 7 p.m.