Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Five women took the stage in the Activity Tent to hoots of "Go Grandma!" during the second annual Our Lady Of Kosciusko pageant Thursday at noon.
LaMora Longyear, nominated by her granddaughter, Rhonda Norris, was given the crown.
Contestants were nominated in writing by family members or friends and judging was based on involvement in family and community, as well as on outlook on life.
Nomination letters were read by Kosciusko 4-H Fair Queen Heather Lamb and first runner-up Devon Marsh.
Longyear, 81, wife of Elmer Longyear, dressed in purple for the event, wearing one of her trademark hats.
The former teacher served area schools for 50 years, retiring in 1982. She has two children, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
A member of the Presbyterian Church in Warsaw, Longyear's baked goods are a favorite of family and friends.
Other candidates for the title of Our Lady of Kosciusko were:
f Charlotte McCleary, nominated by her husband, James, is a former school teacher, active member of the First Presbyterian Church, and volunteer for Kosciusko Community Hospital and Mobile Meals.
f Viola Fisher, nominated by Homer and Marsha Ousley, is a 34-year 4-H club leader, member of the Center United Methodist Church, former highway department employee and active gardener.
f Louise Nichols, nominated by her husband Louis, is a long-time member of the Extension Homemakers Clubs, past president of the Indiana Homemaker Association, project president of the National Volunteer Outreach Project and member of the American Country Women's Conference USA and the American Country Women's Conference of the World.
f Yolanda Polston, nominated by her son Randy Polston and daughter Bonnie Andrews, is a homemaker who volunteers for the Red Cross and GOP.
Accepting the award Longyear wished her father, the late Henry Butler, could have attended. She said he planted the trees to the north and west of the Shrine Building from his farm in Palestine years ago.
She also said the 4-H program is especially dear to her because she met her husband, Elmer, at a 4-H Roundup at Purdue University.
Today at the fairgrounds, the 4-H auction began at 10 a.m. and will last most of the day. The auction ends most of the 4-H activities for the fair.
Today is Sponsorship and Media Day at the fairgrounds, with wristbands for ride costing $10 between 1 and 6 p.m. The toy giveaway is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Activity Tent, where the pizza-eating contest will be held at 6 p.m. The Demolition Derby will be at 6:30 p.m. in the grandstand, and "Dueling Elvises" will be at 7 p.m. in the Activity Tent.
Saturday, the 4-H barns will be empty, but activities will continue at the west end of the fairgrounds.
Saturday is Trucker's Day at the fair, with the highlight being the NTPA Semi Truck Pull in the grandstand at 7:30 p.m. The truck pull will be preceded at 6 p.m. by the Semi Truck Show and Shine Parade.
Wristbands will cost $10 apiece Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m. and the chili cook-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Activity Tent.
Ongoing fair attractions include the antique tractor and machinery show, the Great Lakes Timber Show and the Budweiser Clydesdales.
