Wanda English Burnett, Editor

The 50th Miss Ripley County will be crowned when the pageant takes place this year, according to Erin Menchhofer, past Miss Ripley County chair. She noted the event “has been an honored tradition in our community.”

Menchhofer, who coordinates the event said, “These young women are great role models for the younger generations, not only during their year of service, but as they grow older. I have countless memories of watching my friends and family be crowned over the years and the joy I felt for them in their accomplishments. It has been a joy to watch the young girls come up to the queen and glow with excitement as she tried on the sparkly crown or had her picture taken with the court.”

With the celebration of the Golden Anniversary of the pageant, Menchhofer said this year is extra special. All former Miss Ripley County Queens have been invited to attend the pageant. Members of the committee have been working hard to present an accurate record of the pageant history. They are compiling a database of the past queens, along with stories and/or pictures over the years. If you have anything you would like to contribute to this, please contact Menchhofer at 812-498-2150.

The pageant has seen many changes over the years, according to Menchhofer. “The pageant itself has been held in the fairgrounds grandstand, the livestock show arena, a local church auditorium and finally to local high school gymnasiums and auditoriums,” she stated. This year it will be held at the Batesville High School July 11 with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.

Applications for the event are available now at the Ripley County Extension Office and online at www.missripley

countyqueen.com. The deadline to turn in paperwork is Saturday, May 24. The Ripley County 4-H Fair will run July 20-26 at the Ripley County Fairgrounds Park in Osgood.

Contestants must be at least 16 years of age and cannot have had their 21st birthday as of August 15, 2008. They are required to be an Indiana resident, US citizen, with one of the contestant’s parents or legal guardians being an Indiana resident. Candidates must be an active member of at least one worthwhile organization in their community. This could be a 4-H membership, but is not limited to that. Memberships in church groups, scouts, and others are also accepted. For a complete list of rules for the pageant you can contact the above phone number and email address.

Fifty years ago Letisha (Gookins) Burill was crowned the first Miss Ripley County. Anniversary queens include: Jackie Case, 45 years; Patti Lanehart, 40 years; Connie Nuhring, 35 years; Karen Switzer, 30 years; Sherri Smith, 25 years; Diane (Wilkening) Fritz, 20 years; Tricia (Buxton) Derringer, 15 years; Christina Copeland, 10 years and Mandy Thompson, 5 years.