Guest Post by Meghan Wristens, 2010 Contra Costa County Fair Queen
Growing up as a fifth generation Antioch child, I went to all of the holiday parades and
Fair events. Whenever I went to these events, I would always see this beautiful queen and every year I would look to see if I knew her and then I would guess who was going to be next. Finally once I turned eighteen I knew that it was my turn to apply, and I am SO glad that I did! I wanted to be able to continue the tradition that I had growing up and making appearances all over Contra Costa County. I loved letting girls know, that when they become the right age they can also become a real queen just like me!
I loved going to the Fair at two different times so that I could experience both the day and night time Fair atmospheres. My favorite part about the Fair is walking down the street at night and seeing all of the booths, games and rides all light up. I would buy something tasty to eat, and it would include a meal, drink and dessert because there was so much yummy food to choose from! Then once I had my hands full of food, I would just walk around and look at everything glowing in the dark night sky! I also loved going during the day to see all of the different shows and races growing up, having a set schedule of fun events to do all day kept me entertained. But in between shows I would walk through the exhibit halls and see what kinds of art where created and which ones won as well as what types of things people were selling!
Being able to take pictures with people and putting a smile on their face TOTALLY made my day every time I was at an event. Being able to help out in the community with my queen attire on showed others that everyone can help, even royalty. Working side by side with others making appearances at many venues it was truly an adventure. I also was able to make so many new friendships with people that I would meet at these events. I LOVED being able to make everyone feel encouraged, unique, and welcomed wherever I went.
Outside of my responsibilities as Fair Queen I have a passion for mission work. Since middle school I have been traveling overseas to do cross cultural ministry with my church. Annually we send out middle school, high school, and young adult students on various trips around the world. I have been to Mexico twice where we went to an orphanage and brought them toys and clothes. Then we also built 2 houses for some of the members of the church where we stayed, that didn’t have a home. In high school I went to Uruguay where we held worship and coffee nights, prayer walks, and we also organized a Vacation Bible School for the kids in the local community. We also gave out Operation Christmas Child boxes filled with school supplies to help out the under privileged kids. Lord willing this summer I am going to head to Jamaica where we also are going to sponsor another Vacation Bible School to reach out to the students and provide them with hope and the message of Christ that can change their lives forever!
In five years I will Lord willing be teaching Kindergarten wherever God leads me! I will therefore be done with school and have my teaching credential. I am currently at Los Medanos Community College where I am getting the other half of my preschool certificate to become a Preschool teacher. I am also in the process of getting my AS in Child Development at LMC so that I can become a Kindergarten teacher which is my main goal. I was the 2010 Deer Valley High School Senior Class President and I am very active in all sorts of leadership activities. I also played water polo and swam at DVHS while I also was able to graduate with academic honors!
Besides going to school, I am teaching swim lessons at The Prewett Family Water Park and I also work in the Caring Hands and Mothers of Preschoolers Programs at my church. Golden Hills Community Church is where I spend most of my free time, four days out of the week to be exact! I am involved and participate weekly in the Young Adult ministry, Middle School small groups, High School prayer support, and Student Ministries Internship Programs.
For the next 2011 queen I want her to have all of the knowledge I have about being queen, including how my events went and when or where they were located. So to do this I have created a “tips and tricks” folder for her to make sure that she has an example of what to do. I will also let her know that the year goes by really fast, and so with all of her events she needs to take time and enjoy them individually one at a time. Not being shy, but reaching out to anyone that she comes in contact with, is also advice that I will make sure I share with her! Other than that, being the Fair queen is SO much fun and I believe that there isn’t just one way to do it because every individual can make it their own!
Looking back at how I responded when I was first crowned and filled with excitement, I can honestly say that I feel the same way today as my reign is coming to an end. This is what I said: “I’m truly honored to represent Contra Costa County as the 2010 Fair Queen. It’s my passion to embrace every moment while fulfilling my duties with a smile and cheerful hello. I am looking forward to a year full of unforgettable memories and friends that will be made” I am delighted to say that I did embrace every moment, and I filled it with smiling hellos that led to memories and friendships that I will always remember!
If you or someone you know wants to represent Contra Costa County as the 2011 Fair Queen, please fill out the
application on the Fair website and return to the Fairgrounds by 5pm on Monday, March 28, 2011. Fair Queen interviews and judging will take place on Thursday, March 31st at 6pm.
If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Burror at 925-757-4400 or
jburror@ccFair.org. Good luck!
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