Royalty crowned on first night
Jessica Geisler to reign at county fair
Jennnifer Rogers - Intern Rogers

A large crowd turned out at the Ripley County Fairgrounds on Sunday evening to officially begin the 2005 Ripley County Fair. A highlight of the evening was the crowning of the Ripley County Queen, Jessica Geisler.

A parade through Osgood that featured 4-H groups, tractors, and county officers, also brought the Queen contestants to the stage. Following a parade, was a ribbon cutting ceremony, and then the Queen contest was underway.

All seven contestants were announced, then escorted to the stage by parents or family members. They included: Jenna Menchhofer, Jessica Geisler, Angela Hildebrand, Ashley Carpenter, Meagan Hicks, Summer Yelton, and Brittany Ertel. Each contestant then took a walk around the stage while a prerecorded statement played. Miss Ripley County 2004, Courtney Vollmer, took her final walk on stage.

The contestants returned to the stage, and the previously announced top four were introduced. Miss Congeniality was awarded to Jessica Geisler before the court was revealed. The third runner-up was Brittany Ertel, second runner-up was Jenna Menchhofer, first runner-up went to Angela Hildebrand, and the 2005 Queen was Jessica Geisler.

Vollmer presented a sash, septer, crown and bouquet of roses to Giesler, who then took her first walk on stage Miss Ripley County 2005. Following the ceremony Geisler said, "I am really excited to be representing Ripley County this year. It is an awesome opportunity to spend this entire week reigning over the Ripley County Fair."

The next event on stage was the introduction of the 4-H Junior Leader Ambassadors for 2005 who are Jason Brelage and Amanda Harmeyer. Kim Harmeyer, the 2004 4-H Queen presented gifts to both winners, and roses to the new Queen.

JENNIFER ROGERS PHOTO

Miss Ripley County 2005, Jessica Geisler, takes her first walk on stage. Geisler will be at the fair all week presenting trophies and ribbons to 4-H winners.

JENNIFER ROGERS PHOTO

Jason Brelage and Amanda Harmeyer, 2005 4-H King and Queen were announced on Sunday evening.