For decades, the annual queen pageant at the Madison County 4-H Fair has served as the opening act of one of the county’s marquee summertime events.
Though most of the festivities remain the same this year, the event is being referenced differently. Fair officials, in an effort to both align with the Indiana State Fair Queen Program and revive flagging interest, have rebranded the pageant as the Madison County Fair Queen Program.
“When we really look at the overall expectations and responsibilities of the queen and her court, it goes way beyond just the day of the pageant,” said Tiffany Van Natta, director of the Madison County Fair Queen Program. “She is an ambassador for the 4-H program in the Madison County 4-H Fair throughout the year, and she is promoting 4-H and involved in a lot of events throughout the year.”
Sunday evening, Emma Kelich was crowned queen and will preside over a host of activities throughout fair week.
Lisa Rinker, another director of the queen program, is also a former queen. She said she is impressed by what she has seen from Kelich and her fellow queen candidates.
“This year’s participants, we have three 10-year 4-H members,” Rinker said. “Their applications are outstanding. Our applicants are usually very outstanding, but this year they are just very well-rounded. They have been involved in school activities, very involved in 4-H, which obviously is important if you are going to be an ambassador for the 4-H program.”
This year’s finalists, according to the judges, stood out in part because of their well-balanced applications and the collective experience they brought to the competition.
Kelich, a resident of Elwood, said time management and responsibility are two things she has learned while being a 4-H member. Kelich said she wants to inspire other girls to be in the queen program.
“Growing up, as a livestock girl especially, I never thought we could truly have a crown or dress up during fair week,” Kelich said. “We always had to fit into the lifestyle of a livestock girl. This year, I decided that, not only for me, but for all the other girls that felt the same way, that I should start setting an example that we can be queen and we deserve it because we love what we do.”
Kelich plans to study biology at Ball State University and participate in the Honor’s College. She hopes to be accepted into a veterinary program and work as an equine veterinarian.
Kyndal Clevenger, an Anderson resident, said she has learned about responsibility, leadership and accountability while being in 4-H. Clevenger said she wanted to be in the queen program to expand her comfort zone.
“I wanted to compete because I have always watched the past queens and it is a really cool experience to just put myself out there,” Clevenger said. “I am more kept to myself, so it was a good opportunity for me to be more active in my community.”
During her time in the queen program, Clevenger said she hopes to learn more leadership and public speaking skills.
Clevenger plans to attend Ivy Tech and major in nursing. Once becoming a registered nurse, she plans to become a licensed injector nurse to administer Botox. According to her application, Clevenger said there was a time where she struggled with her looks and wants to help others who feel the same way.
Kay Ann Amos, a resident of Summitville, said that by being in the queen program, she hopes to get more 4-H members involved in their own clubs. Amos said she wants to show people that being a leader has its ups and downs.
“I wanted to be more involved and I also wanted to show other girls that sometimes leadership does not always look perfect,” Amos said. “I can say my journey as president of my club has definitely showcased that. I just really want to show kids that it is not about having it all together. It is really just about showing up and putting forth an effort.”
Amos said her 4-H experience has included a few rough patches, and she has learned about humility, gaining resilience because of it.
Amos plans to become a veterinarian, specializing in either horses or large animals. She also hopes to breed Quarter Horses and keep cattle. Amos said she has always wanted to raise bucking stock for rodeos.