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