Cheryl Mitchell takes her first walk as 2008 Putnam County 4-H Fair Queen. [Click to enlarge]

Torrential rains outside couldn't dampen the spirits inside the community building at the Putnam County 4-H Fairgrounds Saturday night, where 17 young women competed for the title of Fair Queen and Cheryl Mitchel of Coatesville walked away with the crown.

Mitchel, 18, is a recent North Putnam High School graduate. She is the daughter of Greg and Julie Mitchel.

"This is so wonderful," she said breathlessly, touching the sparkling crown on her head and posing for photographs with well-wishers. "This is my 10th year in 4-H, and this is an amazing way to end it."

The queen's court, from left, are third runner-up Jessica Robinson; fourth runner-up Whitney Warren; first runner-up Ashley Doyle; Miss Congeniality Megan Criss; and second runner-up Caitlyn Croan. [Click to enlarge]

Mitchel looks forward now to the Queen Contest at the Indiana State Fair in August.

"I'm excited," she said. "I want to represent Putnam County the best I can."

Mitchel expressed thanks to her mother and father, as well as her two younger brothers Steven and Luke, her friend Justine Kahdal ("she helped me with everything") and Bride's Dream in Danville, where she purchased the form fitting, shimmering burgundy gown with rhinestone accents she wore for the competition.

The best thing about the queen contest experience, Mitchel said, was becoming friends with the other contestants.

"All the girls were wonderful,," she said. "I've gotten to know them all now, and I can't wait to see them during fair week."

Mitchell's court for fair week will be first runner-up Ashley Doyle; second runner-up Caitlyn Croan; third runner-up Jessica Robinson and fourth runner-up Whitney Warren.

The other contestants named Megan Criss Miss Congeniality. Other award winners were Croan for Best Professional Wear and Megan Robertson for Best Evening Gown.

During her farewell speech, 2007 Queen Tara Thornburg spoke of how much her reign taught her.

"Anyone who knows me knows I don't like to dress up or wear makeup or high-heeled shoes," she said. "Lord knows, I don't have any fashion sense."

Thornburg thanked the community for its support.

"In times of need, our community becomes a family," she said. "I am so proud to call Putnam County my home."