2005 Somerset County Fair Queen Amy Fullerton

        The last full week in August has always meant Somerset County Fair time for my family and me. A year of preparation goes into planning the fair, and I can verify that the directors put in hours and hours of their own time so that the people of Somerset County and the surrounding area can showcase their talents. Whether your family is involved in agriculture, demo derbies, bingo or the parade, the Somerset County Fair has something for everyone.
Being crowned the 2005 Fair Queen during a thunderstorm did not dampen my spirits. I was ready to participate in a variety of fun-filled activities.
Sunday morning kept me busy with handing out ribbons and trophies at the goat show and the horse show. When the annual bake sale began at 2:30, my court and I helped display the items for bid. Over the years, the fair board has donated thousands of dollars to worthy causes in the county, and it was an honor to be able to lend a hand to this venture. After a quick change, it was off to the Farmers and Merchants Parade.
Beef breeding judging started Monday morning followed by the market lamb judging. At the age of 8, when I first exhibited lambs, “The Lion King” was all the rage and I named my lambs “Simba” and “Nala.” When it came time to sell them, my mom thought I would be upset. As she waited for my turn on the auction block, she got a little teary-eyed. She began to use the buyer’s guide as a fan to fight off tears. Imagine her surprise when the auctioneer stopped the auction to ask her if she was bidding or fanning herself. Monday ended with Jack Fullerton’s Figure 8 Race and Demo Derby where I turned in my crown for a job at the scoring table.
Because of the large amount of market steers and market swine, the show arena was the place to be on Tuesday. Everyone should experience these events to see how dedicated the 4-H and FFA members are to their projects. Everyone would like to have the grand champion, but I feel the exhibitors are all champions because of their commitment, enthusiasm and perseverance. During the evening, mud was flying in front of the grandstand when the 4 X 4 Mud Bog took center stage.
The judging of the draft horses and dairy cattle began early Wednesday morning where once again my court and I spent time cheering on the exhibitors. In the afternoon, Children’s Pedal Power brought out over 100 children ages 4-11 to see if they could pull the weight transfer sled. My dad built the sled before I was born and continues to thrill the boys and girls as they try for a full pull. My court helped pass out ribbons and prize money before we put on our best western duds and headed for Dave Martin’s Rodeo where thrills and spills kept the packed grandstand at the edge of their seats.
With judging almost completed, my duties began to slow down, but I was still eager to experience the rest of the week including the truck pull on Thursday night.
When the Somerset County senior citizens began arriving Friday morning, they were eager to play bingo at the Lions Club Bingo stand. Many stayed to watch the pet parade sponsored by Chuck Wagon, Wheeler Bros. and Bob Bastian and also the family games sponsored by Mike Sube Insurance. My court and I lent a hand in all these activities as well as serving ice cream to an enthusiastic crowd of senior citizens. In the evening the infield filled with tractors as the annual tractor pull delighted the crowd.
The last day of the fair came much too quickly as buyers began arriving for the Jr. Livestock Sale. The hard work for many comes down to this event and old and new supporters were in the show arena to reward the 4-H and FFA members for their efforts. I would like to personally thank the volunteers and supporters of this event who continue to encourage the youth of Somerset County.
Finally, the fair week ended with the 33rd edition of Jack Fullerton’s Demolition Derby. Over 100 drivers vied for trophies and prize money in front of thousands of spectators.
Throughout my reign I appeared in parades, spoke at various functions and entertained at a Relay For Life fundraising event. The highlight of the year was when I participated in the State Fair Queen Contest in Hershey. I met some wonderful girls and had a blast with new friends and attending family members. I was very excited when I was named one of the top 5 out of 54 contestants. I did not bring home the crown, but I brought home wonderful memories and great pictures.
In closing, I would like to thank my mom and dad for their support in everything I do. Their love, guidance and devotion are unconditional, and I know they will always be in my corner. I have been truly blessed with wonderful aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers and sisters who are always there to cheer me on as well.
Thank you to Tiffany, Emily and my court for helping out in the many activities during the week of the fair.
My thanks would not be complete if I did not thank the fair board directors and their spouses for their support, encouragement and laughs. I could ramble on and thank each one individually but you know I think of each of you as my “fair family.”
My reign as the 2005 Somerset Fair Queen ends in August, but the memories I keep in a special place in my heart will last a lifetime.