'Hometown Pride' Reigns Supreme at Pageant

The love of the Williamsburg Community Farm Show was the main message throughout the Williamsburg Fair Queen coronation ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 20. Contestants were introduced by Studio 814 co-host and emcee Morgan Koziar. Contestants included Fair Queen Morgan Reighard, Princess Adalyn Ronk and Davanee Bem, and Little Miss Isabella Harclerode.

Reighard wrote a speech answering the question "Why should you come to my fair?" Reighard challenged those in attendance to think of what the farm show means to them. For her, "It means the memories it creates and carries."

Reighard explained that her and her family have been coming to the farm show for many, many years – whether entering exhibits such as her father's "prize-winning zucchini" or her art or photography projects, picking up her grandparents for the parade on Thursday evenings "full of Williamsburg Pride" or the band, which Reighard said as a young girl, she dreamt of being part of. This dream was fulfilled in high school. Reighard said she is excited for this week of activities and making new memories with her family and friends.

Koziar asked Reighard an impromptu question: since Hershey (where she will compete for State Fair Queen) is the Sweetest Place on Earth, what motto would you give Williamsburg?

Reighard, without skipping a beat, said "Hometown Pride. I've never seen so much pride with a community like ours. We are always so supportive of one another."

Koziar then called the princess candidates up to answer "Why Fairs are Important."

Davanee Bem said, "Fairs bring people and money into community."

Adalyn Ronk discussed the importance of agriculture, the influence of 4-H on her and her love of her goats.

Isabella Harclerode, the lone contestant for Little Miss, was asked what her favorite part of the farm show was, and Harclerode said she enjoyed the pet show.

Outgoing Farm Show Queen Charlotte Simpson came up to give her farewell speech and warned the crowd that she wouldn't be able to make it through her speech without crying.

"Don't take this for granted," Simpson said to the contestants. "With this opportunity, I made a lot of lifelong friends."

Simpson then thanked Macy Walason, Arriane Waddington, Lisa England and Sherry Waddington along with Jeff Walason and her family. She emotionally spoke on importance of her mother, crediting her reign to her mom.

"For giving me words of wisdom, being my rock, my mentor, and my best friend. She has really helped achieve all my goals this year as queen."

The 2022-23 outgoing court, Little Miss Elizabeth Dively, Davanee Bem and Princess Emma Stone, each said a few short words. Koziar announced the lone judge for the evening - Abigail England - before announcing the winners: Fair Queen Morgan Reighard, Princesses Adalyn Ronk and Davanee Bem, and Little Miss Isabelle Harclerode.