Sanpete County Sweetheart, Junior Princess selected
(Photos Courtesy Cheryl Swapp)
MANTI—A new Sanpete County Sweetheart and Junior Princess, along with two Junior Princess attendants, were crowned Aug. 8 following a competition at the Sanpete County Fairpark.
The new rodeo royalty will reign over this year’s fair, including participating in the grand entrance at the Thursday and Saturday night rodeos.
After the fair is over, the girls will represent the Sanpete County Fair and rodeo at parades, rodeos and community events until next year’s fair.
“Our new royalty will serve as ambassadors for Sanpete County while promoting horsemanship, rodeo, agriculture, sportsmanship, community involvement and our western way of life,” says Cheryl Swapp of Fairview, who is heading up the rodeo royalty program this year.
The Sweetheart competition was open to girls 13-18. The winner was Oaklee Harwood, daughter of Joss and Caitlin Harwood of Ephraim. Last year, she was first attendant to Sweetheart Kenley Kelso of Mt. Pleasant
The Junior Princess title goes to a girl 8-12-years old. The winner was Abbi Millett, daughter of Nathan and Kami Millett of Chester.
Two Junior Princess attendants were also named. Bentley Boore, daughter of Ben and Alyssa Boore of Centerfield will be first attendant, while Gracee Schardine, daughter of Wyatt Schardine and Beth Decker of Wales, will be second attendant.
Girls under 8 could participate in the Mini Princess program. Fifteen mini princesses were selected this year. Their full names were not released.
“The royalty program… gives young women opportunities to build confidence, strengthen their horsemanship and public speaking skills, make friendships and proudly represent their community,” Swapp says.
Contestants for Sweetheart and Junior Princess competed in public speaking, answered an impromptu question, had a personal interview with judges, rode through a “reining pattern” on their horses, and prepared a presentation designed to “Wow the crowd.”
Mini-princesses performed a simple modeling pattern, answered an on-stage question and rode a stick horse in a defined pattern.
