2005 Fair Queen narrowed to four
Mary Margaret Moorhead - Staff Writer

Crowning ceremonies for Ripley County's 2005 Fair Queen are scheduled for Sunday, July 24, at the Fairgrounds' free stage. Four finalists for top honors are Brittany Ertel, Jessica Geisler, Angela Hildebrand, and Jenna Menchhofer.

Seven contestants participated in an early pageant at Hopewell Baptist Church's family life center on Saturday, July 9. From this field, Judges Tiffany Miller and Erin Madden, former Indiana State Fair queens, chose the four finalists.

Serving as emcees for Saturday's pageant were Fern Baumer, former Miss Congeniality in 1985, and Courtney Vollmer, the 2004 Miss Ripley County. Both introduced the contestants as they appeared in professional wear, formal wear, and answered an impromptu question.

This year's committee for the queen contest included Erin Menchhofer, coordinator, Vonda Miller, and Monica Hansen. Both judges came from a distance to serve and to give the contestants tips on presenting themselves as queen contestants. Erin Madden, the 2002 Indiana State Fair Queen, is from Johnson County, and Tiffany Miller, last year's State Fair Queen, came from Porter County.

Before making her final speech, 2004 Queen Courtney Vollmer was escorted to the stage by her parents John and Pam Vollmer of Osgood. Courtney described her year of royalty and reminded the audience, "Never let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Treat others the way you would like to be treated, and always be yourself."

Other contestants in Saturday's pageant were Ashley Carpenter, Meagan Hicks, and Summer Yelton.

MARY MARGARET MOORHEAD PHOTO

Chosen as the four finalists in the 2005 Miss Ripley County Fair are, from left to right: Jenna Menchhofer, Jessica Geisler, Brittany Ertel, and Angela Hildebrand. The winner, runners-up, and Miss Congeniality will be announced on Sunday, July 24, at opening ceremonies of this year's Ripley County Fair.