For your in-FAIR-mation from the

Media Relations Office

Larry Parker or Mary Ryland

(505) 222-9746 or 304-2917

PREPARE TO FAIR:  QUEEN FOR MORE THAN A DAY!

            Albuquerque—August 30, 2007—Thirteen New Mexico counties will be represented in the annual competition to choose the 2008 New Mexico State Fair Queen:  Bernalillo, Colfax, Curry, Doña Ana, Guadalupe, Lea, Lincoln, Otero, Rio Arriba, San Juan, Sandoval, Socorro, and Valencia according to contest coordinator Mary Darnell.

            Bernalillo County will be represented by Chya Johnstone from Albuquerque; Colfax County by Emily Grace Meadows froom Maxwell; Curry by Amanda Crockett of Clovis; Doña Ana by Elizabeth Knight of Mesilla Park; Guadalupe by Anna Garliss of Las Cruces; Lea by Tiffani Sooter of Lovington; Lincoln by Randa Ayn Hutcheson of Corona; Otero by Nicole Lee of Alamogordo; Rio Arriba by Amanda Teresa Sandoval of Española; San Juan by Torrie Johnson of Aztec; Sandoval by Kelly Horton of Placitas; Socorro County by Jamie Lynn Gerard of Socorro, and Valencia County by Alexandria Romero of Belen.

            According to contest guidelines, “The objective of the New Mexico State Fair Queen Contest is to determine an official representative of the New Mexico State Fair.  The State Fair queen serves as an ambassador of the fair to the general public, exhibiting exceptional sportsmanship and high moral and ethical standards, while adding a flavor of femininity.  She should be able to

speak intelligently, with authority, and with knowledge about the New Mexico State Fair and the State of New Mexico.  She should also be familiar about our state’s agriculture industry, our western heritage, and our diverse cultures. After all, that is what the New Mexico State Fair is about.  She is expected to act, speak and dress according to the prestige the title deserves at all times during her reign.”

            Contestants will be judged on the following criteria:  Horsemanship, Personality and Personal Interviews.  There is an overall total of 200 points possible in the following divisions:

                                                                      Horsemanship (1st go around) 50 Points

                                                                      Horsemanship (2nd go around) 50 Points

                                                                      Personality (speeches) 50 Points

                                                                      Personal Interview 50 Points

            Judging will be held Thursday, Friday and Saturday, September 20th, 21st and 22nd respectively, and the queen will be crowned at the rodeo Saturday night, September 22nd. The winner will reign as State Fair Queen for the remainder of 2007 and for 2008.

            The attire for all judged events will be blue denim jeans and a white shirt with a Western hat and cowboy boots.

            The 70th annual New Mexico State Fair starts on Friday, September 7th, and runs through Sunday, September 23rd.  For more information, visit www.exponm.com or call 505 222-9700.

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