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Four candidates in running for 'Fairest of the Fair' title
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By: Eric Quade
| 06/26/2009 |
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At the Barron County Fair this July, one of four candidates will be named as the county's "Fairest of the Fair" and take home the crown.
Competing this year are Abby Amundson of Barron, Stephanie Hinrichs of Rice Lake, Melanie Bertelsen of Cumberland and Andrea Frambs of Rice Lake.
Judges interviewed the candidates Saturday morning at First Lutheran Church in Rice Lake. The crowning ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. July 17 at the gazebo on the fairgrounds.
Each candidate was required to submit an application to the competition's organizers regarding their backgrounds and why they should be considered for the honor of becoming the next "Fairest of the Fair." A summary of those introductions follows:
Abby Amundson
Abby is a 2009 graduate of Barron High School with plans of continuing her education in the medical field. Specifically, she wants to attend a prestigious medical school in pursuit of becoming an epidemiologist who would work for the Centers for Disease Control in Washington D.C. She plans to begin her secondary education at UW-Eau Claire.
A "young ambassador" for the Barron Chamber of Commerce, a former president of the local National Honor Society chapter, a runner up in a state FFA speaking contest and a repeat volunteer for home building mission trips in Mexico are among the accomplishments that Abby pointed to that provide insight about her character. She also has a strong academic history and involvement in varsity girls golf and girls soccer. Other school involvement includes having played flute in band for 7 years and being a member of Positive Attitudes for Life Club.
So why does Abby think she should be crowed as Barron County's "Fairest of the Fair?"
"It is my belief that the Fairest of the Fair should possess qualities of leadership and have an understanding of the county she will be representing," she said. "I believe that I am a leader, and I have lived in Baron all of my life, and I have been exposed to most of the things the county has to offer. I have had experience promoting places in a positive light. Also, I am an avid public speaker, and I am not afraid to speak in front of large groups of people. I believe the most significant reason why I should be crowed is I love Barron County and will do my best to make it proud."
Abby is the daughter of Paul and Rosella Amundson.
Stephanie Hinrichs
Stephanie is a 2008 graduate of Rice Lake High School who has recently completed her first year at UW-Barron County.
The daughter of Mary Hinrichs, Stephanie plans to attend another year at UW-Barron County in order to get her associates degree. Then she wants to transfer to UW-Superior to major in elementary education. She wants to stay active in 4-H and eventually hopes to open a horse center to give children an opportunity to ride the animals.
Interests for this 19-year-old contestant include riding/showing horses, going to races, participating in the school's dance team and playing volleyball. She also enjoys scrapbooking and spending time outdoors.
Stephanie's activities also include being an FFA member (where she represented her school at the 2008 National FFA Convention), and she has received the Gold Award from the Girl Scouts after completing her community service project on the fairgrounds. She volunteered more than 175 hours of her time through Girl Scouts to help renovate the fairgrounds by fixing fence boards, painting picnic tables and more.
This candidate pointed to her long history with the fair as a reason why she should be considered for this year's "Fairest" title.
"The fair has given me so many memories-from the games and the rides on the midway to the tractor and truck pulls, not to mention the animals," she said. "I would love to spread my knowledge and love of the fair to everyone. It has been a dream of mine since I was little to become the Fairest of the Fair. It would be a huge honor to represent the Barron County Fair as its 2009 Fairest of the Fair."
Melanie Bertelsen
Melanie is the daughter of Brian and Sandy Bertelsen, graduated this year from Cumberland High School and has plans to further her education at UW-Barron County.
Melanie's interests are not isolated to indoors or outdoors. She enjoys reading, biking, riding horse, dancing, golfing and more.
Community involvement for Melanie includes National Honor Society, Girl Scouts and Student Council.
She cites her wholesome background as her reason why she should be named as the county's "Fairest."
"I believe that I should be crowed the 'Fairest of the Fair' because I am responsible, honest, trustworthy and a good role model," Melanie said. "I also believe that I can represent Barron County in a positive way."
Andrea Frambs
Andrea is a 2006 Rice Lake High School graduate who has completed 1 year of classes at WITC. She has plans to become not only a full-time dairy farmer, but also to be a part-time nurse.
This daughter of Mike and Gayle Frambs enjoys being outdoors, driving tractors, spending time around animals and helping people.
Andrea has been on the Mikana Parade Committee for 10 years, has carried the parade's banner for 15 years and was on the Mikana-Birchwood volunteer fire department for 1.5 years. She currently volunteers on a farm, doing chores for a farmer with breast cancer.
Andrea has been on her school's wrestling team and also served as its manager. She has belonged to the FBLA and SADD and currently is part of WITC's nursing club. She is an FFA alumna.
For her candidacy, Andrea cites her character as her qualifications for receiving the "Fairest" crown this year.
"I think I should be crowed 'Fairest of the Fair' because I am honest, hard working, dependable and I would represent Barron County in the manner that shows Barron County is a hard working community who gives their neighbors a helping hand no matter what."
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©Barron News Shield 2009
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