Stephen urges interest in ’18 GJCF queen


2017 GJCF Queen and Princess Shay Stephen and Princess Lauren VonBehren pose for a picture at the Iowa State Fair in 2017. Both girls encourage young women, ages 16-21, to apply for 2018 GJCF Queen. (Photo submitted)
By: 
Shay Stephen
2017 GJCF Queen

     If someone would have told me when I was 16 years old that in one short year I would be running for fair queen, I might have told them they were crazy. I always considered myself to be a “tomboy,” and never thought about competing in any pageants. I never considered competing in the Great Jones County Fair Queen Pageant until my good friend, Ellen Schlarmann, was crowned the 2015 Iowa State Fair Queen. I had class with Ellen that fall after she was crowned, and hearing her amazing stories from her year as queen convinced me to run the following year.

     The first time I competed was a whirlwind. I was very conserved in my appearance and was shy toward the other girls I was competing against. I really had to convince myself to relax and take a step out of my comfort zone. After competing in 2016, my comfort zone was completely changed.

     After the 2016 pageant, I walked away with no title. I questioned why I wanted to compete in the first place. A few weeks later, I realized that even though I may not have won a title, I won other things. I expanded my comfort zone, my public speaking skills grew; I now knew how to fill out a professional application and go through a professional interview.

     In April 2017, I made the decision to compete again. I was excited for the fair, and I had a happy-go-lucky attitude about all of the pageant events. Going through my second year competing, I found a new joy surrounding all of the events, and hanging out with all of the other girls competing was something I looked forward to. The day of the pageant was nerve-racking, but exciting. I invited all of my family and friends to attend and cheer me on while I was performing my skit.

     About two weeks after the pageant was the day of the crowning. The results were in, and standing up on stage awaiting the results I was incredibly anxious. I couldn’t believe they announced my name as the 2017 Great Jones County Fair Queen! I was so excited to begin on this new journey. I got to work bright and early the next morning, handing out ribbons at the livestock shows, and meeting fairgoers throughout the day. I was up early every morning, preparing for the day as Great Jones County Fair Queen. Throughout the week, I met with the Fair Board to discuss the plans for the upcoming day – and wow, do I appreciate the Fair Board members for all of the hard work they put in over the course of a year. I had the opportunity to meet the performing artists: Big & Rich, Keith Urban, Frankie Ballard, and Thomas Rhett. My favorite part of the entire fair queen experience was meeting young girls who wished to be a queen when they got older.

     As part of the duties of fair queen, I took off for Des Moines in early August, where I competed against 102 other county fair queens for the title of 2018 Iowa State Fair Queen. I had never been to the Iowa State Fair prior to the pageant, and I was astounded at how big the fairgrounds were, and how many things there were to do (and eat)! I met lifelong friends whom I plan on meeting up with at the Great Jones County Fair this upcoming year. I met mentors who are currently helping me with publication of a children’s book (stay tuned). I could not have prepared for my journey as fair queen. I gave my all to that pageant and walked away a changed person. I had a newfound confidence that I would not have recognized within myself a few short years prior.

     I truly cannot put into words the impact this pageant has had on my future professional career and social outlooks.

     Applications for the 2018 Great Jones County Fair Queen Pageant were released April 16, and I encourage all young women, ages 16-21 to enter. By competing, I became a more outgoing, more confident woman, and I am so excited to help all of the contestants this upcoming year find their true selves.

 

My experience as 2017 GJCF Princess

By Lauren Von Behren

2017 GJCF Princess

     When I heard my name announced as the 2017 Great Jones County Fair Princess, I was in complete shock. It took a while for me to realize that I was able to represent the Great Jones County Fair. However, this experience was amazing even before the night of the crowning. Throughout the process of filling out an application, speaking at the fair kickoff party, participating in the workshop and spa day, riding in the Fourth of July Parade, and Pageant Day, I grew as a person, realized my strengths, improved on my weaknesses, as well as made memories with some awesome girls that I would not have met otherwise.

     After being crowned, I knew the “Five Best Days of Summer” were going to be better than the best. Shay (Stephen) and I spent the week handing out ribbons at the 4-H and FFA shows, greeting fairgoers, attending Fair Board meetings, going to the concerts, and overall having an awesome, once-in-a-lifetime experience. We even got to meet Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett, Frankie Ballard, and Big & Rich – I was star struck! These were by far the “five best days of summer.”

     Running for fair queen was an amazing experience that taught me many lessons that will benefit me throughout my life—especially interview and public speaking skills. I would like to encourage any girls aged 16-21 to run for fair queen. It is a unique opportunity that will impact your life, allow you to make memories, and help you grow as a person.

     If you are interested in running and have any questions, feel free to reach out to me! Step out of your comfort zone, gain new experiences, and have a great time doing so. You could be the 2018 Great Jones County Fair Queen or Princess!

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