PI’s Patterson
crowned Junior Miss Potato Queen
By Jennifer Buzza
Special to The Star-Herald
FORT FAIRFIELD — Eight local queens participated in the 2012 Junior Miss Maine Potato Queen pageant July 18. At the end of the evening, Lydia Patterson, Junior Miss Presque Isle, received the title.
Photos courtesy of Jennifer Buzza
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2012 Junior Miss Maine Potato Queen
Junior Miss Presque Isle
Lydia Patterson |
Junior Miss Mars Hill
Kelsey Dominique
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Junior Miss Limestone
Stephenie Bragg |
Junior Miss Ashland
Sydney Curtis |
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Junior Miss Fort Fairfield
Sarah Watt |
Junior Miss Washburn
Makayla Shackett |
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Junior Miss Mapleton
Victoria Williamson |
Junior Miss Caribou
Kelsey Kiehn |
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Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Shawn Murchison, who introduced the contestants and reigning 2011 Junior Miss Maine Potato Queen Emma Kinney as they performed their entertaining opening number to “Little Deuce Coupe” by The Beach Boys. The routine was choreographed by Tammy Willey.
Following the introduction of the five judges and two auditors, the first competition of the evening began. Each contestant took to the stage in their physical fitness attire, worth 15 percent of their overall score. Each had the opportunity to share with the audience what makes their town special.
Fourteen-year-old Sarah Watt of Fort Fairfield had a list of her town’s characteristics to be proud of including “our great schools, historic buildings and the Potato Blossom Festival.”
Kelsey Kiehn, 14-year-old Junior Miss Caribou, said, “Caribou is the place to be for me, Kelsey Kiehn!” One of the youngest contestants, 11-year-old Junior Miss Washburn Makayla Shackett said, “Washburn may be small, but we have the largest hearts! Our town is great, so visit soon!”
Junior Miss Limestone, 11-year-old Stephenie Bragg, took the audience on a “tour” of her town. She mentioned Limestone is home to the Aroostook Wildlife Refuge. “Our town may be small, but there are many wonderful things about it!”
Twelve-year-old Kelsey Dominique, Junior Miss Mars Hill, shared that between the months of March and September, “Mars Hill is the first place you can see the sun rise.” Lydia Patterson, 13-year-old Junior Miss Presque Isle, promoted the Wintergreen Arts Center noting that it’s a great place “if you have an imagination.” Talking of the location of the Center she said, “Discover the little corner of my city in the place I call home.”
Fourteen-year-old Sydney Curtis of Ashland shared how proud she was to represent her town, which, according to her, is “more like family and less like a town.”
Junior Miss Mapleton, 12-year-old Victoria Williamson, mentioned how she was raised to respect her elders and comes from a community that “does just that.” She shared about her town’s Boston Post Cane tradition and the current cane holder proclaiming that, “Phoebe McPherson, you have earned my respect.”
In order to give the contestants time to prepare for the talent competition, worth 30 percent of their overall score, nearly 40 local queens introduced themselves and their titles on stage. Kicking off the talent competition was Watt, who performed a Celtic dance to “Lord of the Dance.” She is the daughter of Anna and Timothy Watt.
Kiehn, one of the two vocalists, sang “Here I Am” from the Broadway musical “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” She is the daughter of Kim and John Kiehn, and was named Junior Miss Congeniality and first runner-up.
Shackett, daughter of Laurie and Wayne Shackett, performed a lyrical dance to “Send Me a Song” by Celtic Women.
Bragg, daughter of Merry and Rick Bragg of Limestone, presented the only monologue of the evening, entitled “Kids for Sale.”
Dominique performed a clogging dance routine to “Jumpin’ Jack.” She is the daughter of Kassandra and Steve Dominique.
Patterson performed a lyrical dance to “First Love” by Adelle. She is the daughter of Ariana Patterson and Mike Sullivan, and was named the 2012 Junior Miss Maine Potato Queen.
Curtis sang “Ave Maria” by Beyoncé. She is the daughter of Julie and Matt Carney.
Williamson performed a lyrical dance to “Little Wonders” by Rob Thomas. She is the daughter of Marla and Theodore Williamson and was named second runner-up.
Outgoing 2011 Junior Miss Maine Potato Queen Emma Kinney performed a hip hop dance routine to “Waiting on the World to Change” by Jon Mayer. Following the evening gown competition, worth 15 percent of the girls’ overall score, 2011 Miss Maine Potato Queen Kelsey Buck presented her title-winning dance routine to “Be Italian” by Fergie.
Just prior to the coronation, Kinney took her final walk as queen, escorted by her father Derrick Kinney.
The Junior Miss Maine Potato Queen pageant was directed by Pam Willette.
