Nielson crowned Emo Fair Queen for 2001-02

Milt Guba

It was entertaining and humorous in some parts! The annual Fall Fair Queen Contestants entertainment received full support from the over crowded audience held at the DYS Gymnasium Thursday evening August 16th. The Committee in charge chaired by Joyce Meyers have worked long hours and to them a bundle of red roses for the effort.

The judges are the ones who have a difficult time, looking at all angles to make a sound minded decision. The evening’s emcee Doug Hodge welcomed everyone to this event and introduced each program item as they appeared.

The Fun in the Sun Fort Frances Royalty opened the program with the song “I will Survive”.

First Queen Candidate Briattany Caul sponsored by DeGagne Equipment recited Emo Fair Lots of Fun and then sang a song of the Emo Fair to the tune of Jingle Bells.

2nd candidate Kelly Neilson sweet as she is reflected on the humorous story of the Beverly Hill Billies with a back drop of wild animals, it was scenic to say the least. Kelly was sponsored by Tinkers. It brought out the laughter as expected.

3rd contestant Amber Sheloff sang her way through, “We Danced Anyway”, her voice carried effectively.

Fourth candidate Nikki Baker delighted the audience in a Skit well arranged and presented it also had a humorous side to the story, fantastic action movement. Nikki was sponsored by Tompkins Hardware.

Fifth candidate Christian McCoy sponsored by Tammi’s Flowers at Fort Frances joined by three other ladies had an energetic dance performance. Noticeable was the rhythm music motion.

Sixth candidate Ashlie Burnell sponsored by Pinewood Sports was involved in a line-dance step performance neatly projected.

The seventh contestant, Tess Galusha, sponsored by Witherspoon Concrete had a choral reading, “Moonlight Rider’.

The eighth candidate, Diana Redford performed a skit “Working in the Kitchen” an audience pleaser that kept laughter contagious, Diana received a tremendous applause for the performance.

Guest artists included, Emo’s own Centennial Choir director Renee Martin in two selections, one of which was “Doing Alright”. Kim Lauzon with her untouchable graceful voice delighted the audience in “I Always Love You”.

Heather Ogilvie rendered two numbers, “When I Think About You” and ”There You’ll Be”. Katie Steele sang Kiss Me. Emma Govier, never too far behind in accommodating the audience capably sang two numbers, “Angel” and “I think About Angels”.

The four judges had a challenge in selecting the winners, according to emcee Hodge they all provided excellent entertainment and are worthy of their presentations, we enjoyed them all. He commented, “to bad we haven’t got a recording station to take all this in”, they were that good.

After the dust had settled the following winners were announced by Doug Hodge. Congeniality award, this is picked by the candidates, was taken by Diane Redford. The Queen and her Court was crowned by last year’s royalty. 2nd Princess selected was Nikki Baker crowned by Erin Anderson. Diana Redford selected as first Princess was crowned by Amanda Vennechenko and 2000 Queen Tara Lloyd handed over her crown to the amazed surprised but jubilant Kelly Nielson the new 2001 Emo Fair Queen. “I do not believe it,” sounded Nielson with a wide smile.

Category winners were as follows. Fashion Show - 1. Nielson; 2. Redford; 3. Baker. Float - 1. McCoy; 2. Nielson; 3. (tied) Redford & Sheloff.

Entertainment - 1. Nielson; 2. Redford; 3. Baker. Banner - 1. Sheloff & Redford; 2. Nielson; 3. McCoy & Burnell. Interviews - 1. Kelly Nielson; 2. Nikki Baker; 3. Ashlie Burnell.

The Dorothy Bonot memorial plaque was given to Kelly Nielson presented by granddaughter Jackie McCormick.

Emcee Hodge commented on the contributors towards the Emo Fair in support with financial donations they came from throughout the district, a big thank you from the community. “Let us go back to these businesses people and show our appreciation to them,” he said.