Boundary County Fair Royalty 2007

By ELAINE SANDMAN

Staff writer

The Boundary County Fair signs are up on the highways with this year's dates set for Aug. 14-18. This year's six Fair Royalty candidates are Anthony Dunham, Samantha Wells, Ryan Magee, Lacie Langford, Seirian Albertson and Amy Spease.

"We urge the community to talk with the royalty, discuss ideas and get involved with the fair because together we can make it better each year," Fair Board member Gene Andrews, said.

Royalty candidate Seirian Albertson is a Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H member.

"4-H is a program you'll never forget, at every age level of the program there is so much to learn," Albertson said. "My first memory of fair royalty was when I was 10 years old, I enjoyed being around them and looked up to them, they gave the fair a spark and made it better.

My favorite part about 4-H is the people I meet, and being a royal at the fair will give me an opportunity to meet even more people and show off our fair.

"I have thoughts about different and creative events I'd like to do for the fair, which include an art walk, family fun night, chicken scrambles, greased pigs and town and country," Albertson said. "I feel my job as a member of the fair royalty is to help the public understand more about the fair and the programs that are involved."

Candidate Samantha Wells has spent the past eight years in both the FFA and 4-H.

"The first fair royalty I remember was Billy Polton," Wells said. "It was fun to be around him, he wore his FFA jacket with pride and people felt comfortable around him.

He took the time to really learn all he could about what went on at the fair so he could represent the fair properly."

Wells added that she feels the fair is really important because it gives the community a chance to meet others from far and wide, and remember how alike everyone is while also being different, which helps each person to learn and grow from the experience and talk with them for a bit."

Candidate Anthony Dunham learned about FFA from a neighbor when he was very young.

"It was the enjoyment my neighbor radiated when he talked about and participated in FFA activities, I couldn't wait until I could join," Dunham said. "I like FFA because everyone is treated equally in the program, everyone's opinions are respected and everyone is listened too."

Dunham said that this year's royals should focus a lot of their time on small children by taking time to explain what they are seeing and experiencing.

"We can maybe help parents slow down and make their child's first time at the fair a fun and special learning experience," Dunham added.

Andrews added that the Fair Board is committed to working with the royalty and implementing some of their ideas, which include more games, amateur showmanship events, pony rides, a goat milking contest and more rides.

"The royals will strive to get organizations to run more fair events this year. The group who thought they'd run the dining hall canceled on July 18, so please talk to the royals about this great fund raising opportunity. All the candidates mentioned during their selection interviews that the fair is one of the few events in the community that truly offers something for everyone, which brings families and community together," Andrews said.

Candidate Amy Spease credits 4-H's round robin event for helping her to mature. This event requires 4-H members to show an animal they have never worked with before, which helps to teach kids sportsmanship, character and perseverance.

"The royals are planning something special for the local seniors this year," Spease said. "I also want to thank the community for making the fair happen, as well as help to increase the number of fairs visitors. I will promote it in as many places as I can. There will be a barnyard parade this year, and we want it to be the best ever so think about participating."

Copeland added that this years royals are such hard working, focused individuals that it bodes well for the future. "They genuinely care about each other and the world around them. We should all be proud to have such amazing young people come from our community."

When candidate Lacie Langford started in 4-H, it helped her feel closer to her father, learn to deal with the heartbreak of her favorite horse being injured, and increased her knowledge about the products and people that make up this community.

"I think there should be more open shows scheduled, as it opens up more opportunity for all the talented people out there to get the recognition they deserve," Langford said. "I look forward to promoting the fair even as far away as Libby, Mont. I think we'd be surprised how many more would come even if it was just to send out flyers. Thanks to my years in 4-H and FFA, throughout my participation in the fair I have learned many things that will help me in my life. This knowledge is invaluable, and it's something I use everyday." Langford said.

Royalty typically help with many of the events at the fair, awarding ribbons, being available to show people around, answer questions, and this year's royals expressed their wish to personally make sure the Restorium guests experience the fair in a special way.

Candidate Ryan Magee became involved in the FFA when he took an agricultural course for science credit, and with many FFA members in the class he saw how enthusiastic they were about the program.

"I have not interacted personally with the royals before, but I have always watched them perform their duties," Magee said. "As a royal, I am going to promote the fair, tell people it's not only a great experience but also a great chance to see people you normally are not around. The fair is important to me because it allows me to spend time with member of our community and have fun. Competing as an FFA member is a skill building experience but it's also taught me about responsibility and respect."

Magee added that the Boundary County Fair is really fun, and he encourages the entire community to come and see what it has to offer. "Don't be afraid to enter some of your own projects in the fair."