Jessica Lee Britton

Crowned The 2008

'Fairest Of The Fair'

By AMY ROSE

Staff Writer

A large crowd attended the opening night of the 59th annual Greene County Fair on Monday and saw Jessica Lee Britton crowned "Fairest of the Fair."

Lanny Love, president of the fair's board of directors, said the Monday night attendance totaled 4,076, down slightly from last year's record-breaking opening night.

Attendance was light early in the evening, likely because of the heat. An electronic sign at the fairgrounds showed a temperature of 92 degrees at about 6 p.m.

"It was hot, but it wasn't as humid as it has been," Love said of the weather. "We had a good Monday night."

The crowd started to grow by 6:30 p.m. as the ATV Drags began at the Jim Saulsbury Arena.

The "Fairest of the Fair" pageant, featuring an "All-American Girl" patriotic theme, began at 8 p.m.

The main stage was decorated with red, white and blue flowers and other decorations.

The pageant was opened with the National Anthem sung by local vocalist Jerry Scott, who provided entertainment throughout the night, along with local pianist Tim Hybarger.

The crowd was welcomed by Love, the fair board's president.

The masters of ceremonies were Keema Bowman, the 1998 Fairest of the Fair and 2003 Miss Historic Jonesborough, and Johnny Roberts, motivational speaker.

8 Queen Contestants

Britton, 17, was chosen from among eight contestants.

She also was named "Miss Congeniality," which is voted on by the contestants.

The contestants began the pageant dressed in uniforms of various careers, similar to those portrayed in country artist Carrie Underwood's video for "All-American Girl."

Britton was dressed as a photographer who said "Say Cheese" before she introduced herself.

Other contestants wore uniforms of a doctor, a waitress, a police officer, a soldier, a football player, a race-car driver and a nurse.

The contestants were introduced by Bailey Grace Christine Morgan, the 2007 "Fairest of the Fair."

Britton is the daughter of Billy and Lyn Britton and will be a senior this year at Chuckey-Doak High School, where she is active in Future Farmers of America.

First runner-up was Casey Leigh Westmorland. Second runner-up was Rachel Burns. Third runner-up was Haley Morgan Neeley, and fourth runner-up was Jessica Lois Swatzell.

Westmorland, Burns and Swatzell also were in the top five in the 2007 "Fairest of the Fair" pageant.

Judging to determine the top five was based 50 percent on beauty, 25 percent on poise and personality and 25 percent on a two-minute personal interview at a tea held Sunday afternoon.

Then, judging of the five finalists last evening was based 50 percent on beauty, 25 percent on poise and personality and 25 percent on their responses to a question asked during the pageant.

The questions were submitted by the contestants.

Britton was asked, "If your TV had only one channel, which one would it be and why?"

Britton said she would choose a news channel because, "I think it is very important to know what's going on today in our society."

The "Fairest of the Fair" receives a crown, roses and a $500 check for wardrobe for the state pageant and a $500 scholarship.

Britton will represent Greene County in the state pageant in Nashville in January 2009 with all expenses paid.

Bluegrass Show

At the GreenBank Pavilion, Remus Keen and the Grassy Mountain Boys performed two one-hour shows at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The group features Remus Keen, of Mosheim, formerly of Richland's, Va., and Barney Stiltner and Robert McClanahan, both of Grundy, Va.

They performed bluegrass and gospel tunes during their first time at the fair.

Greeneville Sun Winners

Here is a list of the Monday prize winners at The Greeneville Sun booth at the Greene County Fair: Ashley Blake, Patsy Wilson, Kathy Solomon, Ted Hensley, Hannah Solomon, Fonda Cosby, Tammy Pinkston, Teresa Laws, Eunice Jones, Sharon O'Neal, Tim Armstrong, Rachel Manis, Matthew Piatt, Christy Jones, Lance Hartman, Janet Helbert, Pansy Weems, Wilhelmina Williams, James Franklin, Phillip Helbert, Kim Gregory, Duane Buchanan, Teresa Weems, Phyllis Arrington, Alan Dotson, Charlotte Wilson, Dusty Stroud, Cindy Myers, Robert Brown, Robin Paul, Nancy Harrison and Gayle White.

Wicks Performs Tonight

Today is Senior Citizens' Day, and those ages 60 and older are admitted for $4.

Today's highlights begin with the Open Dairy Show at 1 p.m.

The Baby Show, classes 1-6 and 9, will be held at 6 p.m., and the Incahoots Line Dance Team will perform at 9 p.m., both at the GreenBank pavilion.

The ATV and lawn mower pulls will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Jim Saulsbury Arena.

Country singer Chuck Wicks, perhaps best known for his ballad "Stealing Cinderella," will perform at 8 p.m. on the main stage.

All carnival rides on Tuesday will be $1 each.

Gates open at 4 p.m. and close at 11 p.m.

Admission is $7 for adults, $2 for children ages 6-11 and free for children ages 5 and under with a paying adult.

For full coverage of the Greene County Fair, visit www.greenevillesun.com.

The Fair's Web site is www.greenecountyfair.com.