Radio Interviews!

This morning I lucky enough to attend two local radio stations to promote my Huntingdon County Fair which is only 4 days away!!!! I got to sit down with Rocco Palotto at Merf Radio and then visit Justin at Star County. I had a lot of fun at both radio stations and I really enjoyed talking about the upcoming fair!
Well tonight is the pre-fair picnic at the fairgrounds so I better go get ready!

Until Next Time,
Marra A. Aurand
2010-2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen

Relay 4 Life!

Last weekend I was fortunate enough to attend the Mount Union Relay 4 Life. I got to speak about the upcoming fair as well as honor the cancer survivors and thank everyone that was there participating in the walk. I walked around to each tent and handed out fair brochures and encouraged people to attend my fair! I had goodies for the children as well! Then it was time for a dance off and Taylor Miles, the 2011 Huntingdon County Fire Queen and I got suckered into participating. It turned out to be a lot of fun! We got to do the chicken dance and the Hookey Pookey, as well as play a hula hoop game with the people. It was a great day and I really enjoyed being there and supporting a wonderful cause!

Until Next Time,
Marra A. Aurand
2010-2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen

Farm Safety 4 Just Kids Day Camp

Last Saturday I had to do one of my biggest requirements for being Fair Queen...host Farm Safety Day Camp. My coordinators and I have been planning this event for a couple months now and on Saturday we watched all of our hard work pay off. At about 8:30 am we started receiving eager campers! We had 15 children attend day camp. The children got to visit with the DCNR and check out a crashed 4-wheeler and understand the safeties of riding an ATV. Then they were off to visit the Juniata Valley ambulance, where they got to sit in the back and see what an ambulance is really like. Next was the the Smithfield Fire Truck, where the kids learned about fire safety, got to try the jacket on and got some goodies from the Huntingdon County Fire Queen. Then they went to visit the Dairy Princess, where she talked about nutrition safety, let the children make butter and they even got to make flavored milk! The final two sessions the children attended were chemical safety and grain safety, where they were taught how common household items can be dangerous and that they should tell their parents to get yuck stickers so they know what is bad. After a day full of learning it was time for lunch! After lunch I got to hand out certificates and goodie bags to each camper. It was a very successful day and the children said that they really enjoyed it and that was all that mattered!


Until Next Time,
Marra A. Aurand
2010-2011 Huntingdon County Fair

Hunny 106.3!

Hey everyone,
I hope when you woke up this morning you turned your radios to Hunny 106.3 to hear Rick Hamilton and I. I had the privilege to be interviewed today at the Hunny 106 radio station! I got to talk about my upcoming Farm Safety Day Camp, my recent activities and my year as queen. I had a lot of fun with the radio broadcast and it was an experience that I will never forget. Rick has helped me out a lot throughout my year as queen. On the second day of my reign, Rick was kind enough to let me do a radio interview in his studio that he had set up at the fair. He was then kind enough to set up a blog for me and teach me how to use it, and I have got nothing but good remarks for everyone about my blog that reads it and stays updated with my reign! I would like to thank him for everything that he has done and being so supportive throughout my year as queen!

Well tomorrow is my last fair board meeting as their Queen and I have to say that I'm very sad. I have a video that I made of my year as Queen to present to the board tomorrow night and I hope I don't tear up while presenting it. So I better go make my farewell cupcakes because I'm sure the fair board will love a snack with my movie!


Until Next Time,
Marra A. Aurand
2010-2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen

My Best Friend won Huntingdon County Fire Queen!!

Last evening I was fortunate enough to be a part of the 2011 Huntingdon County Firemen's Convention Parade. It's sad to know that was my last parade before my little farewell lap around the fairgrounds here in about 2 weeks. I made the best of it and I had alot of fun! I would also like to thank Scott and Shelby Price from Price Motors for always supplying me with a ride for every parade. They are the best and I'm so glad I had the opportunity to get to know them this year!

After the Parade it was time for the Huntingdon County Fire Queen Pageant. All of the contestants did a wonderful job and looked absolutely beautiful! I would like to congratulate Jordann Shaffer on getting 2nd runner up and Ashleigh Woodward for receiving 1st runner up and Miss. Congeniality. I am friends with both of the girls and I am very proud of their accomplishments. I would especially like to congratulate my best friend Taylor Miles on winning the title of 2011 Huntingdon County Fire Queen. She has been my best friend since kindergarden and I was so proud to be there to watch and support her and see all of her hard work pay off, and of course give her a couple "queen" pointers along the way. Haha.

Well it's time for me to go work on some more stuff for my Farm Safety Day Camp and the upcoming Huntingdon County Fair!

Until Next Time,
Marra A. Aurand
2010-2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen

Farm Safety Day Camp Date Set!!

That's right it's time for the annual Farm Safety Day Camp held at the Huntingdon County Fairgrounds that is sponsored by the Fair Queen and her Committee. This years day camp will be held on July 23 with registration from 8:30 am-9:00 am. Children ages 5-12 are encouraged to come, but we will accept all campers! This years day camp will be full of fun and very educational. Snacks and lunch will be provided! Goodie bags will also be given to each camper! The best part is.....it's FREE of charge! That's right you get farm safety tips, a day with the Fair Queen, snacks, lunch, prizes and a day full of fun for Free! Call the Fair Office to register early! I hope to see you there!

I also want to wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July!!!


Until Next Time,
Marra A. Aurand
2010-2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen

WTAJ Commercial Shoot!

Denise (WTAJ), Marra, Brandi (WTAJ)

Yesterday I had the privilege of being able to go to the WTAJ Studio in Altoona and film the 2011 Huntingdon County Fair Commercial. It was a alot of fun and I had a blast working with the WTAJ staff to help produce the commercial. I hope all of you will like the commercial as soon as it is aired! After we ran threw the commercial a couple of times it was time to shoot it! The staff was very energetic and I really enjoyed getting to work with them! After the commercial Brandi (WTAJ employee) took me on a personal tour of the entire studio! You'd be amazed at how many rooms there are in a TV studio. Thank goodness I had Brandi or I would have gotten lost in that maze! It was such a great experience and being that I want to go to college and major in communications and eventually work on TV or radio, made it even better! After yesterday I can definitely see myself working on a TV set!


Unfortunately my reign is coming to a close soon, so I will be updating my blog as many times as I can before my final farewell. I hope you all enjoy reading my blogs and hearing about some of the stuff that I have done throughout my reign.


Until Next Time,
Marra A. Aurand
2010-2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen

Wanted: 2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen Contestants!

Hey Ladies! Have you ever wanted to wear a sparkly crown, a satin sash and be a public figure? Well now is your chance! The 2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen Pageant is only weeks away and that means that my journey as Queen will be come to a close and a new young lady will take my place. This has been a year in which I will never forget. I have had the opportunity to work with some of the biggest names in the agricultural industry, promote the Farm Safety 4 Just Kids platform, be a role model for young girls all over the county and become a better person. I have made so many wonderful memories throughout my reign that I would have never had the opportunity to have if I had not ran for Fair Queen. I still have a few events left before my big farewell and I am going to cherish every single moment that I have left in my reign. I encourage all girls out there ages 16-20 to hurry up and get your application into the fair office as soon as possible. I can guarantee you that this will be one of the best adventures of your life! If you have any questions feel free to contact me at (814) 251-3209. I am here to offer pointers and help all of the candidates be the best that they can be. Plus this years marks the 10th Anniversary for the pageant and how cool would that be to be crowned the 10th Annual Huntingdon County Fair Queen at our special pageant. I hope to see you all at the Fair Queen Contestant Social on July 9th at 1 pm at the Huntingdon County Fair Grounds where my wonderful coordinators and I will be there to discuss the rules, obligations and duties of each contestant. This has been a dream come true for me and I hope it will do the same for you!

Until Next Time,
2010-2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen
Marra Alexis Aurand

Summertime!!

Schools out and that means that the 2011 Huntingdon County Fair is just a couple months away! Be sure to check out the premium book and get your entries into the fair office as soon as possible! I am very excited for the upcoming fair and I hope that all of you are just as excited as I am.

Recently, I attended the Pork Pizazz 4-H club, where I talked about Farm Safety, the Huntingdon County Fair, and played a few games. Then I was fortunate enough to attended 2 Elementary Schools in the Mount Union Area School District. First I was off to Mapleton Elementary, where I proudly attended grade school. A gave a presentation to the entire student body and staff. I started by talking about my adventures and accomplishments at Mapleton and told students to cherish those moments because the memories that you make while you're young, are the ones that you will cherish forever. I explained how I had the dream of becoming Fair Queen, and how I set my sights on my dream and worked really hard to accomplish my goal. Then I talked about the Huntingdon County Fair and had some very eager students tell me about their experiences at my fair. After that it was time to go over the Farm Safety rules. The students were very attentive and responded extremely well when I asked them Farm Safety questions. After that I split the students by grade level and we played a game as I handed out prizes. Then we had a lengthy question and answer period. After that I introduced a contest. I asked the students that wanted too, to write me a story about their favorite part of my fair and if they could change something about the fair, what would it be?" The winner of the best essay would win tickets to the 2011 Huntingdon County Fair. Once I got the essays back I spent the evening reading them and got over 30 stories from students from kindergarden to sixth grade. They were completely adorable and I loved reading them.


Then I was off to Shirley Township Elementary where I met with Mrs. Danish and Ms. Smith's first grade classes. I reviewed the Farm Safety's with them and talked about the Fair. I then passed out prizes and T-shirts to children that got questions right. After that we did a little craft. We used toilet papers rolls, painted them pink, tied a string around them and made pig snouts. Right before we went to lunch the kids put their pig noses on and seen who could make the best pig noises. It was so cute and the children really enjoyed it. Then I was fortunate enough to have lunch with Mrs. Danish's class. It was so sweet to see the little girls and even the boys bicker over who got to sit beside the Queen. That always puts a smile on my face and makes me love my title as Fair Queen even more. I was then fortunate enough to speak at the Captain Jack FFA Banquet, which was very special to me since I am a member of that Chapter.

Being the 2010-2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen has really had an impact on which path I will choose after I graduate. Being the spokesperson for the Fair and the Farm Safety 4 Just Kids Organization has made me realize that I really enjoy speaking in front of people, being in the media, being a leader and stressing the importance of different ideas and situations. Therefore I plan to go to college and major in Communications. That way I can be a spokesperson, be in the media, be a leader and stress the importance of things for my lifelong career and not just one year. There is so much to say and do and you can not accomplish everything in one year, so for me to go to college and major in communications and make a career out of being a spokesperson would be absolutely amazing. Who knows maybe I could be the next Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture or someday the President of the United States. All I know is that this wonderful experience as Huntingdon County Fair Queen has really had an important role in my life and is a small stepping stone towards a wonderful career that I could have ahead of me.


I encourage all girls out there ages 16-21 to be a part of the 2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen Pageant this year! Trust me, this is an experience that you will never forget. Download a copy of the Application from the Premium Book and attend the annual social. If anyone has any questions, feel free to contact me at (814) 251-3209 or contact any of the Fair Queen Coordinators.


Until Next Time,
Marra A. Aurand
2010-2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen

Staying Busy!!!

With Spring in the air and summer right around the corner, I am definitely staying busy with my queen duties. Varsity Softball season has also started for me and that is also keeping me pretty busy! Earlier this month I've attended the Juniata Valley Lions Club Annual Dinner and meeting. I gave a Farm Safety 4 Just Kids demonstration and also talked about the PA Friends of Fairs program. Then I was fortunate enough to attend the Huntingdon County Holstein Association yearly banquet. I got to speak about my recent activities, enjoy a wonderful meal, and listen to what's all happening in the Holstein Association. Then it was time for a visit to the Spring Farms Livestock 4-H Club. There I got to talk about my Farm Safety 4 Just Kids platform and all of the wonderful opportunities I've been able to have as the Huntingdon County Fair Queen. We then played a few games and I handed out prizes and informational pamphlets. Then a week after that I attended the monthly Huntingdon County Fair Board meeting and boy are things for the 2011 fair really coming together thanks to our amazing fair board and wonderful volunteers. I encourage any girl out there ages 16-20 to run for Huntingdon County Fair Queen this year. It's an amazing experience and you will gain so much from this opportunity. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at (814) 251-3209 or email me at maurand@verizon.net and I will be happy to help you.



Until Next Time,
Marra A. Aurand
2010-2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen

Home Sweet Home!

You never know how much you miss home and your comfy bed until you get there. Last evening was the end of the PA State Fair Queen Pageant. After our meal all the queen contestants went out into the hall to line up to go out on stage. Since it was the 25th Annual PA Fair Queen Pageant they introduced the past 25 fair queens. 10 past queens were able to show up for the pageant. Then it was time to go on the stage. We got announced one by one as we entered onto the stage. Then it was time for Miss. Congeniality to be announced. My friend from Somerset County Breanna Robinson won that title and I was very happy for her. Then it was time for top 5. Unfortunately I didn't make top 5 but that just means better things are going to happen for me. To be honest I'm actually happy I didn't win because I can come back a be an awesome Huntingdon County Fair Queen. I'd like to thank the Huntingdon County Fair Board for being so supportive. Even though I didn't win, they all said I did an awesome job this weekend, that I looked beautiful, and that they couldn't be more proud of me. That meant so much to me and I'm glad I can come back and represent my fair, the Huntingdon County Fair. The top 5 was Somerset County, Perry County, Centre Grange, Gratz Fair, and Unionville Fair. Congratulations to Miss. Unionville for being crowned the 2011 PA State Fair Queen. After the pageant it was time to have fun since it was all over. So the Huntingdon County Fair Board and I all went to the hospitality room to eat, socialize, and have some fun. Then Sunday morning we left and I was on my way home. Well it's time for the this Queen to get some sleep because she has school tomorrow.

Until Next Time,
Marra A. Aurand
2010-2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen

Saturday Morning!!!!

Whooo hooo I got to sleep in till 7 am this morning, then it was time to get ready for the BIG day! I started my day at breakfast with the Huntingdon County Fair Board. Then it was time to get ready to give my speech. After I was ready I was off to the room to give my speech. The room was filled with my family, my coordinators, some of the Huntingdon County Fair Board, the judges, and a whole bunch of people from other fairs. At first I was calm, but then right before I went in, I got a bit nervous. I walked into the room and did what I've been practicing for all along. My coordinators and family said that I did a fantastic job! Then the judging was over until the pageant but for some reason I had a nervous breakdown. It all just hit me and thoughts kept running through my mind like: "Am I good enough", "Wonder if they like me", "Do I even have a chance?" But thanks to my coordinators and wonderful friend Kayla I was able to suck it up and stay focused for the pageant. Kayla and I decided to go to the hot tub and relax, since I had the rest of the day to relax before the BIG Pageant. After we relaxed by the pool, we went for some lunch at the Bear's Den. Then it was time to relax in my room before getting pampered. Well it's time to get my hair done, so I'll be updating everyone after the Pageant. Wish me Luck!!

Until Next Time,
Marra A. Aurand
2010-2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen

Friday Evening (Day Two)!!!!!!!!!

I just looked at my clock and it says 11:44 pm. Yes, I just now getting ready to go to bed. Since I last updated I have been EXTREMELY busy! At 6 pm all 56 contestants attended a Social with the Judges. There we got to interact with the judges as well as the State Coordinators and other Contestants. Then it was time to leave that and head to the Pennsylvania Showman's Banquet. The Huntingdon County Fair Board and I had a very fun time at the Banquet and we also had a wonderful meal...my favorite part was the chocolate dessert...oh and did I mention that here at the Hershey Lodge they put Hersey kisses on your pillows! It's really cool. Then I had to meet the other 55 contestants and go to 2010 PA Fair Queen Casey Hall's party. While there we played some very fun games and really got to know each other. We also started to scout out who we wanted to vote for for Miss. Congeniality. After that I was off to meet my coordinators and practice my speech. Then it was time to go to the hospitality room and hang out with the Huntingdon County Fair Board. Well it's past my bed time and tomorrow is a Huge Day because it's PAGEANT DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Well I'll be updating you tomorrow afternoon after my speech and then again after the pageant and hopefully I'll be wearing that big crown!!!!!


Until Next Time,
Marra A. Aurand
2010-2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen

Friday Afternoon (Day 2)!!!

Well it's been a crazy day and it is FAR from over. Since I've last filled everyone in, I have had my interview, worked at the Communication Table, and attended a Young Women's Leadership seminar. My interview went great! I was a bit nervous at first but then shook it off and went in with a positive attitude. The judges are wonderful and they are very easy and fun to talk to. After my interview, a huge weight was lifted off of my chest. Then I was off to the Hospitality Room with the rest of the wonderful Huntingdon County Fair Board for lunch. After that I had to work at the Communications Table with Andrea Beeman, the Hartford County Fair Queen. After that we we're set free until the Judges Reception at 6, but I stayed busy. Amy, Billie, My Mom, and I went to Denise Yoho's women's seminar. Denise was the 1990 Pennsylvania State Fair Queen. She gave a wonderful seminar that told us girls to stay confident and informed us about the life we have ahead of us. Then all I wanted to do was take a nap....but that didn't happen, instead here I am blogging so everyone back home can see how I'm doing down here at Hershey. Well it's time for me to be back on my feet again, because now I have to go and get ready for the Judge's Reception. Well I'll be sure to update as soon as I can!


Until Next Time,
Marra A. Aurand
2010-2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen

Friday Morning (Day 2)!!!!!

Well my day got off to a very bright and early start. It was 6:45 am and mom was saying "rise and shine," because I had to be down at the Convention Breakfast Ceremony by 7:30 am. After breakfast was served it was time for the awards. The awards that were given out included scrapbook, billboard, website, premium book, video, power point, display, ans so many more. The Huntingdon County Fair made everyone proud by bringing home 3 third place ribbons, one first place ribbon and the Big Award "The Best in Show." This was the first year we have ever got the Best in Show Award and it was such an honor! After that it was time to head up to my room and get ready for my interview. So here I am sitting in my room where Amy, Billie Jo, and Linda are doing my hair and preparing me for my interview. Their best advice is "Be Yourself and You'll do Great!" Well it's time for me to go for my interview. Wish me Luck! I'll be sure to update everyone on the rest of my day as soon as I can.


Until Next Time,
Marra A. Aurand
2010-2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen

Day One at State Pageant!!!

hair done-check.....make-up done-check....on my way to the 25th Annual Pennsylvania State Fair Queen Pageant-check.....Day one at the Hershey Lodge is finally checked off my list. Today was the first day and it was a wonderful way to start off the weekend. We are on our way to Hershey and mom decides we're gonna stop at Burger King to grab a bite to eat. So I agree and said "I want chicken tenders." Moms says okay and orders them for me. So we get our food and we're driving down the road and I yell "Oh my Goodness!" Of course moms first words are "What did they forget your ranch?" and I said "No mom look at these nuggets." she looks and all four of my nuggets were in the shape of a crown! I was like this is totally a good sign because normally I get dinosaurs or strips when I order chicken nuggets. So that really got me pumped up and ready for this evenings competition. So after about and hour and 45 minutes we arrive in Hershey, where my mom and I were met by my wonderful coordinators. We then got checked into our rooms and let me just tell you that the Hershey Lodge is BEAUTIFUL!!!! Then it was time for Queen orientation, where all the Queens got to meet each other and go over the rules for the next couple days. After that we all had to rush to our rooms because the Hershey Lodge is like a billion miles long and we all had to be in our evening gowns and back to the Ballroom in 45 minutes for the evening gown/intro competition. Talk about nervous. There I stood in front of about 1,000 people with the bright stage lights on me, in my cotton candy dress giving my introduction. After I walked off stage I felt a huge relief because I knew the hard part of the night was over. Then we all got to sit with our Fair Board for the wonderful meal that we had. After that all the Queen Contestants had to meet for a group photo and gift exchange. After all 56 girls got situated it was time for pictures. Lots and Lots of pictures! Then Queen Casey played a game with us where each queen exchanged gifts. It was really fun and nice to interact with all the other Queens. Then it was time it sit back, relax, and have some fun. So a bunch of us got into our jammies and had a pajama party in the hallway. It was really fun and I got to make alot of friends! Well its past 11 and I have to wake up bright and early for the busy day I have ahead of me. I will be sure to fill you all in as soon as I can. Thank you to everyone for the Good Luck Wishes!! and thanks to my best friends for decorating the school with good luck flyers and posters that was very heart-warming knowing that you guys have my back and support me. Well I'm off to bed!

Until next time,
Marra A. Aurand
2010-2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen

State Fair Queen Pageant!

Wow can you believe that it's the begining of a new year already! I know I can’t. It seems like yesterday it was summer and I was getting my animals and everything ready for the Huntingdon County Fair. Lately I've been getting ready for State Pageant which starts this Thursday the 20th! I have to be in Hershey by 2 pm for orientation with the 56 other Queens, so until then I’ll be spending the morning getting pampered so I’m ready to compete. Thursday night is the Evening Gown/Introduction Competition, where I will have to go on stage in front of about 1,000 people and give an Introduction. After that is the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs Annual Banquet. Then it’s time to relax and prepare myself for the rest of the competition. Friday is an extremely busy day at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. In the morning I will be getting myself ready for my Interview with the judges. After that each Queen is assigned a shift at the Queen Raffle Basket Fundraising Program. Once that’s finished I must attend a Banquet with the other Contestants and the Judges. After that you’d think I’d be done for the day but no. Then the other contestant’s and I are off to the 2010 Pennsylvania State Fair Queen Casey Hall’s Party. After that I’ll be able to get some rest to prepare for the Coronation Saturday Evening. On Saturday morning I will be giving my speech to the judges. After that I have the day to attend seminars and get pampered for the Coronation. Saturday night I will be attending the Coronation Banquet with about 2,000-4,000 other people. This year is the 25th Annual State Fair Queen Coronation so it is very special. It is also very special for me because Jim Davis, our Fair Board President is also the State Fair Board President and this is his last year as the State Fair Board President, so I have been working really hard because I would love to be the first girl from Huntingdon County to be the PA State Fair Queen and how awesome would it be to win this not only for myself, but for Jim and the rest of the Huntingdon County Fair Board. After the meal comes the Coronation. Once all the Queens are introduced and on stage, the Top 5 will be announced and they will be asked to answer an impromptu question. Hopefully I’ll be one of them!
I am very thankful to have a wonderful family and support system that supports me in this journey. My coordinators Amy, Billie Jo, and Linda have been wonderful at helping me prepare for this experience and conducting my scrapbook. They are a wonderful group of ladies that make the Huntingdon County Fair Queen Program a success, each and every year.
I will be updating my blog every chance I get down at Hershey, so be sure to check it out! Hopefully Saturday Night you can check in and I'll have some very exciting news. "It's just a dream unless you believe" and I, as well as many others believe that I can do this! But whatever happens happens and I'll know that I tried my best and that's all that matters. :)


Until Next Time,
Marra A. Aurand
2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen

Farm Show!

Hey everyone just a reminder that the Pennsylvania State Farm Show started today. It will run from today till January 15th. Be sure to head to Harrisburg and check out all of the wonderful sights and watch some of our youth from Huntingdon County show there livestock! Also be sure to visit the food court and try one of my favorites, either the marvelous milkshakes or an order of cheese cubes. While you're down there be sure to check out the State Fair Queen Casey at the Pennsylvania State Fair Queen Booth as her reign comes to an end. In only just 2 weeks I be packing my bags and heading to Hershey to compete in the Pennsylvania State Fair Queen Pageant!!!! It seems like just yesterday I was downstairs in the Fair Office getting ready for the Huntingdon County Fair Queen Pageant. You know what they say time will fly when your having fun, and my reign as Queen so far has been nothing but fun!


Until next time,
Marra A. Aurand
2010-2011 Huntingdon County Fair Queen