Third time's the charm for 2009 Boone County Fair queen
COLUMBIA — After a night of gowns, talents and questions, Hallsville resident, Rashall Westhoelter was crowned queen at the 2009 Boone County Fair Royalty Competition. This was Westhoelter's third year competing, and first year being in the top four.
"It was exciting ... I didn't expect it," Westhoelter said. "I actually thought maybe me and Amy (Wilsdorf, first runner-up) would be there ... it was really nice to have her standing beside me and knowing that whoever was going to win this crown was going to be a great person."
Westhoelter also received an award for her interview session on Saturday.
"She's been practicing her speech a lot," her mother, Melinda Westhoelter, said. "She was taking public speaking classes down at school in Cape Girardeau."
Ally Walker, last year's queen, made a speech welcoming the new queen into the position. She praised the hospitality and beauty of Boone County and its citizens. Walker also made sure to call her mother to the stage, and thanked her for supporting her over the past year.
After the queen was crowned, the contestants were lined up across the stage and all were praised on their poise and dedication to Boone County.