The Platte County Fair will kick off tonight (Wednesday, July 23) with its queen contest, and whoever wears the crown will not only have the privilege of representing the oldest continuous county fair west of the Mississippi at the State Fair competition in August, but also receive a scholarship opportunity and money for college.
The young woman selected to wear the crown will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship opportunity from the Missouri Western State University (MWSU) Foundation and $500 from the Platte County Fair.
The recipient awarded the Missouri Western State University scholarship is expected to meet the current requirements for admission to the university.
An additional $400 in scholarship money is being awarded by 858-HAIR. The salon will award $300 to the queen, $100 to the 1st runner and $50 each to the 2nd runner up and Miss Congeniality. Several other local businesses are offering products and services to support the event.
The Platte County Fair’s queen contest focuses on an interview process, communication skills and talent. Honors will also be awarded to first and second runner up and Miss Congeniality contestants.
The competition is open to any young ladies between the age of 17 and not older than 22 who have resided in Missouri and Platte County at least six months, are citizens of the United States, and who have not already competed at the State Fair more than twice.
The Platte County Fair Queen competition, which will be open to fairgoers, will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. July 23 in the Pavilion on the fairgrounds.
The contest will include a private pre-event interview earlier in the day, followed by a talent or speech presentation and an evening gown competition followed by an extemporaneous question. Contestants will be judged on poise, appearance and personality within each competition category.
In addition to her many prizes and awards, the fair queen will have the honor of representing the fair at various events, as well as to the media. And, she’ll be sent to compete as the Platte Fair’s candidate at the Missouri State Fair queen competition in August.The fair will kick off Wednesday, July 23, with the first night opening at 4 p.m. and featuring senior citizens’ activities, the rodeo, including mutton busting, and the queen contest. Activities such as the carnival and 4-H and Floral Hall exhibits also open for the fair.
The fair opens at 4 p.m. again on Thursday, July 24 and features the missy/master contest and the first night of the demolition derby.
Events begin at 8:30 a.m. Friday, July 25, and include the sheep and goat show, then at 4 p.m. the fair opens again with all the familiar favorites. The demolition derby continues as does live music and karaoke.
Saturday’s schedule is packed with events kicking off at 8:30 a.m. with the swine and small animal show, the horse show, kids’ games, cornhole tournament, horseshoe pitching tournament and more. The evening concludes with the Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pull and live music.
The 4-H and FFA cattle show will be held at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, July 27.