Published: July 02, 2009 10:35 pm         

Mary Roberts selected as 2009 Wabash Valley Fair Queen

TERRE HAUTE — Arthur Foulkes

Tribune-Star

Fourteen became five and then one was chosen.

West Vigo High School senior Mary Roberts was selected Thursday evening as the 2009 Vigo County Fair Queen at Terre Haute North Vigo High School.

Roberts, 18, was a top five finalist in the 2008 Fair Queen pageant and received her crown from last year’s Fair Queen, Casey Hayne.

There were 14 young women ranging in ages from 16 to 20 competing in this year’s pageant. All were either students or recent graduates of West Vigo or Terre Haute North Vigo, which hosted Thursday evening’s pageant. Late in the pageant, the five finalists were named.

“It’s exhilarating,” said Maggie Riser, 17, the pageant’s first runner up, after receiving her crown and sash. Riser, who was also voted “Miss Congeniality” by her fellow contestants, is a longtime member of the Girl Scouts and has also been involved in 4-H. Riser will be a senior this fall at Terre Haute North.

Kelsi Creasey, 16, a junior at West Vigo, was selected second runner up by the pageant’s three judges. “It feels great,” Creasey said.

Creasey participates in student council and the Family Career and Community Leaders of America club at West Vigo.

During the week of the Fair, July 12-18, the Queen, along with the first and second runners up, will — among other things — judge contests, pass out 4-H ribbons, participate in parades and attend each evening’s grandstand events.

“Any of you would do a wonderful job,” said 2008 Queen Hayne speaking to the five finalists before the Fair Queen was announced. Hayne urged the new Queen to enjoy the week and take the time to speak to kids and compliment young people participating in 4-H.

“I feel like its something that just completes my 4-H experience,” Roberts said of winning the pageant. She also made sure to thank her mother, Ann Roberts, and sister, Sarah Norton, for making the black dress she was wearing.

Roberts has been active in 4-H for nine years. She is also president of the National Honor Society and is a member of the West Vigo golf team.

As part of the contest, the five finalists in the pageant were each asked by event emcee Kevin Orpurt how they inspire and lead their peers and younger people. Wabash Valley Idol contestant Bernie McGee then sang a song while the three judges chose the Queen and the runners up.

Hanna Curley, 17, a senior at Terre Haute North, and Cassie Childress, 18, a graduate of North, rounded out the top five.

“I had to first make sure they really said my name,” Roberts said when asked how it felt to hear her name called as the new Fair Queen. “If you’re a genuine, kind person, you can’t hide that inside.”

Arthur Foulkes can be reached at (812) 231-4232 or arthur.foulkes@tribstar.com