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Thornburg crowned 2007 Fair Queen
"I'm shaking like crazy," Tara Thornburg said, laughing nervously just moments after being named the 2007 Putnam County Fair Queen.
"I'm very excited," she said.
Thornburg took top honors among 14 contestants in the annual contest, conducted Saturday at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.
Thornburg, daugher of Bill and Michelle Thornburg, was participating for her second time in the contest, and she said she believes last year's experience helped her to win the 2007 crown.
"I acted more like myself," she said. "But I'm not really a girly-girl, so this was stepping out of my comfort zone."
Thornburg wore a fuschia gown purchased at Rockville Bridal.
With a theme of "Queens of the Caribbean" mimicking the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie craze, the contestants peromed "A Whale of a Tale" dance for the audience, then modeled professional wear and evening gowns.
Named first runner-up was Kelly O'Hair, daughter of Marion and Valerie O'Hair.
Second runner-up went to Olivia Miller, daughter of Doug and Deborah Miller.
Third runner-up was Kristin Tippin, daughter of Rebecca Zaring and Terry Tippin.
The contestants themselves chose Miss Congeniality. Hannah Aker, daughter of Vicki Timm and Steve Aker received that honor.
Two new honors were also announced this year.
Selected for Best Evening Gown was Rachel Woodall, who modeled a blue dress borrowed from a friend.
Selected for Best Professional Wear was Thornburg.
The pageant audience was also treated to an appearance by Pettit Miss of America Toni Stone.
The eight-year-old Stone will be a third-grader at Tzouanakis Intermediate School in the fall. She will also be competitng in a pageant next week for Junior Pre-Teen Indiana, for the chance of advancing to the National American Miss competition in California.
Jordan Zaring, the 2006 fair queen, placed the crown on Thornburg's head.
The queen and her court, along with the other contestants, will receive prizes and gifts from several area sponsors and businesses.