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As they drove closer, the festival sounds became more distinct: a distant marching band, the patient voice of an announcer, the buzz of excited conversations and the lowing of cattle.
It was, as usual, a packed fair, with people thronging into the animal shelters and tents, past numerous exhibits and lining up for food. The weather certainly cooperated — the air chilled into the 60s as a spectacular blue-and-magenta sunset darkened the sky.
Shortly after the sky went black, the Lampeter-Strasburg High School band marched into the show ring in a uniform field of blue and performed a bit of Sousa to rouse the crowd.
Then, after reigning fair queen Shelly Fairchild made a grand entrance in a horse-drawn carriage and as a lone yellow balloon floated over the field, the 14 contestants for this year's title made a slow circuit of the arena, waving from the back of sports cars that kicked up a thick cloud of dust over the stands of cheering supporters.
After a lengthy contest — introductions and two rounds of questions over more than 90 minutes — the title of 2008 fair queen was awarded to Ynna Padilla, the 16-year-old daughter of Pete and Dolly Padilla of Lampeter.
Ynna competed as a representative of Student Council, on which she serves as co-treasurer. She also is editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, a member of the National Honor Society and Outdoor Club, and she is active in the student mentoring program HEROES, her church youth group and Interact, a student affiliate of the Jaycees. After graduation, she said, she plans to study for a career in pediatrics.
Although she has attended the West Lampeter fair since she was in elementary school, Ynna said she hadn't planned to compete for the title until this year, when the Student Council was looking for someone to represent the governing body at the fair.
"I just volunteered," she said. "Although my mom always wanted me to do this."Ynna said she didn't think she would win against more than a dozen competitors and admitted she was nervous on the stage while she was waiting for her introduction.
But once she got to the microphone, she said, her jitters vanished.
As queen, Ynna will receive $100 and a $500 scholarship. She also will be in the state fair competition in January.
• First runner-up is Sarah Jamieson, daughter of Keith and Amy Jamieson of Strasburg. She will receive $50 and a $250 scholarship.
The other three semifinalists were:
• Sarah Manning, daughter of Tim and Dee Manning of Willow Street.
• Alexis Stinson, daughter of Dennis and Jacqueline Stinson of Lampeter.
• Alyssa Weaver, daughter of Douglas and Teresa Weaver of Lancaster.
(53) (25) (24) (10) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)Also competing for the crown this year were:
• Laurie Marie Brenner, daughter of Michael and Elaine Brenner of West Lampeter.
• Tess Ewing, daughter of Steve and Sherry Ewing of Lancaster.
• Renee Fritz, daughter of Ron and Kathy Fritz of Lancaster.
• Natalie Maneval, daughter of Charles H. III and Elizabeth P. Maneval of Lancaster.
• Jenna Mitchell, daughter of Mark and Amy Mitchell of Willow Street.
• Danielle Rittenhouse, daughter of Thad and Carolyn Rittenhouse of Lancaster.
• Katelyn Stauffer, daughter of Tom and Terrie Stauffer of Strasburg.
• Emily Tolan, daughter of Bruce and Darcie Tolan of Strasburg.
• Amanda Jeanne Zahm, daughter of James and Marvel Zahm of Lancaster.
The fair continues through Friday. Organizers stressed this fair focuses solely on local and educational displays; there are no rides or outside entertainment.
This evening's schedule includes a concert by the L-S marching band, a baby parade and children's fair, all beginning at 6 p.m.
E-mail: tknapp@lnpnews.com
