In with the New

The 2012 court includes (from left) Miss Congeniality Mikayla Cherry, First Runner-Up Paige Pickens, Miss Putnam County Sarah New, Second Runner-Up Alex McHugh, Third Runner-Up Karly Bumgardner and Fourth Runner-Up Tari Straziscar.

Sarah New crowned 2012 Fair Queen

At the moment emcee Jamie France announced "contestant number one, Sarah New" as the 2012 Putnam County Fair Queen, it wasn't so much the 19-year-old's smile that was noticeable, as it was her full body reaction.

New doubled over in pure joy -- smiling, laughing, beaming.

She confirmed later it was an overwhelming moment.

"Definitely, (I was) just shaking all over," she said. "An incredible, wonderful feeling that I don't think I've ever had.

"Honestly, I didn't know what to expect. It was crazy," New continued.

"I couldn't be more proud to represent Putnam County."

The daughter of Joe and Mary Cash of Fillmore beat out 12 other candidates to be crowned by 2011 Queen Paxton Stephenson at the end of the evening.

Like so many girls, New said she has looked up to the queens of the past, and wants to carry on their tradition.

"I have definitely always looked up to the court," New said. "I didn't know if it was possible. I didn't know if I could do it, but I ended up doing it and really, really, really wanting it, actually. Yeah, it's been a dream."

Sarah New was crowned the 2012 Putnam County Fair Queen Saturday evening at the Fairgrounds Community Building. New bested a field of 12 other candidates to be crowned by 2011 Queen Paxton Stephenson.

The 2012 South Putnam graduate is bound for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in the fall, where she will participate in western and hunt seat equestrian teams.

New is joined on the court by First Runner-Up Paige Pickens, Second Runner-Up Alex McHugh, Third Runner-Up Karly Bumgardner, Fourth Runner-Up Tari Straziscar and Miss Congeniality Mikayla Cherry.

Cherry, a classmate of New at South Putnam, expressed her pride at being chosen by her fellow contestants as Miss Congeniality.

"I believe that being Miss Congeniality means that I'm a great role model, and I hope to be a great role model to the younger 4-H'ers at the fair. I hope to have a great week," she said.

Cherry, of Greencastle, is the daughter of Mike Cherry and Kandra Truex. She will attend Indiana State University.

Pickens is the 18-year-old daughter of Tracy and Michelle. The 2012 Greencastle graduate plans to attend IUPUI.

McHugh, another South Putnam graduate, is the 18-year-old daughter of Mike and Rhonda of Coatesville. She plans to attend Indiana University.

Bumgardner, 20, is a Vincennes University student and 2011 graduate of Greencastle. She is the daughter of Roy and Dana of Greencastle.

Straziscar is the 18-year-old daughter of Sean and Kristy of Roachdale. The 2012 North Putnam graduate will attend Purdue University this fall.

Other contestants included Sydney Shrum, Cheryl Dean, Ali Torr, Brooke Boetjer, Riley Seahorn, Megan Roach and Kay Wood.

Queen Contest Committee member Renee Marsteller spoke highly of all the contestants following the event.

"We had 13 fabulous girls, couldn't have had any better girls. I would hate to have been a judge," Marsteller said. "We've been working with them for about six weeks, and they're just all wonderful. They're all the sweetest, nicest girls."

The committee also consists of Natalie Pritchard, Beth Flint, Jenney Taylor, Raymond McCloud, Jody Parmley, Jennifer Porter, Kelly Hilburn, Julie Thompson, Madison Marsteller and Chelsea Hilburn.

This year's contest was sponsored by PNC bank.

"We should have a great week, and I hope next year a lot of girls come out for the fair queen contest," Marsteller said.

There was lots to celebrate Saturday evening as Mikayla Cherry won Miss Congeniality. Cherry hopes that this win will show younger 4-H'ers how to be a good role model.

For the new queen, though, the focus is a little closer than next year.

"I look forward to getting out there and seeing everyone and all these kids who have worked so hard all year," New said.