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WOODSTOCK – In the middle of a county fair, on a stage clad with cornstalks and glitter, a queen was crowned.
“My name is Nora Brown, and I have short hair.”
Those were the first words spoken on stage by the new 2015 Miss McHenry County Fair during her one-minute speech at Wednesday night’s pageant.
A little over an hour and a half later, Brown – who is also Miss Woodstock 2015 – took that walk, complete with sash and crown, down the stage. Her moment in the spotlight seemed brief, as Brown was more interested in running into the arms of her fellow contestants for a large group hug.
[ PHOTOS: Miss McHenry County Pageant ]
Just days before the 13 contestants squared off for this year’s title, they shared an afternoon in the sun around the pool of new pageant director Lovena Hunter, laughing and helping each other practice their interview and pop questions.
Former Miss McHenry 2014 and contestant No. 1, Olivia Bauer, 18, spoke of her strategy for Wednesday’s competition as a be-yourself type of moment.
“The biggest challenge is making sure you’re different than everyone else,” Bauer said. “This pageant is about being who you are and saying what you truly think, not what you think the judges want to hear. They’re looking for you.”
Bauer wasn’t able to take home another crown this time, but did land herself in the first runner-up spot, as well as the title of this year’s Miss Photogenic.
Fourth runner-up, Clarissa Ihssen, 18, of Woodstock made her pageant debut, complete with a playful spin during her evening gown portion, her pink dress swirling around her in a
Cinderella-like moment.
“I never saw myself in a pageant,” Ihssen said. “I’d never worn the makeup, the clothes or the jewelry. I was busy playing in the dirt before all of this, but I like being girly now.”
[ Send us your 2015 McHenry County Fair photos ]
Under the new direction of Hunter and Julie Basco, this year’s pageant started out with a choreographed dance that included the now former Miss McHenry County Fair, Stephanie Vargas, front and center.
The contestants performed a one-minute speech on the subjects of their choice, ranging from Brown’s undying support for the Saint Baldrick’s foundation to the topics of determination, 4-H and dog adoption.
Hunter said the contestants devoted so much of their six weeks of preparation to working with each other and their coaches on their interviews and speeches, not just their walk.
Their dedication was evident in the strength of each contestant’s speech delivery. Each girl made it hard for the judges and the audience to pick a favorite with comments such as, “How do you pick just one?” and “Well, I really liked her, but now I really like all of them” floating through the crowd.
But in the end, a decision was made and Woodstock’s Nora Brown, took a long walk, in a sparkly crown, atop a head of short hair, toward what is sure to be a challenging and fulfilling year.