Mann crowned Emo Fair queen

The district’s newest royalty were crowned Saturday afternoon, with Tammi Mann sitting at the head of the court.
Mann beat out fellow contestants Jackie Reid, Stacey Angus, Renée Desbiens, Kris Bragg, and Julia Leek to capture the 1997 Emo Fair queen pageant
Mann (Miss McQuaker Enterprises) burst into tears of joy when her name was called, and was close to speechless after 1996 queen Janelle McQuaker passed on the robe and tiara.
“It’s neat,” was all Mann could say about her title. “It was a big shock.”
Jackie Reid (Miss Fairway) was crowned First Princess while Stacey Angus (Miss Tompkins Hardware) earned Second Princess honours.
“It’s a good feeling,” said Reid, who had taken first place in pageant’s talent show Thursday night. “I don’t know what to say–I’m surprised and happy.”
“And cold,” shivered Angus, trying to stay warm in her evening gown. “It’s cold out here.”
Angus, who placed third in the talent portion, already has a history of being part of the fair’s royal family. In 1985, she held the title of Mini-Queen.
Now, 12 years later, she found being Second Princess in the more grown-up division just as thrilling.
“It’s awesome,” she said. “I’m just excited.”
All three said the queen pageant demanded a lot of their time but, overall, it was a positive experience.
“You got to know the girls a lot better,” Mann remarked, noting a strong atmosphere of friendship surrounded all six.
“It was really fun,” she added.
Leek, who placed second in the talent portion, won the title of “Miss Congeniality.” Desbiens took top honours as “most photogenic,” a new category added to this year’s pageant.
Mann and the rest of her “court” will be spending a good chunk of their time representing the fair board over the next year. But so far, no one seems to be shying away from the task.
“It’s a good learning experience,” Angus said. “And we’re going to have a blast!”
The Mini-King and Queen pageant, held earlier Saturday afternoon in front of the grandstand, saw Aniss Seid and Jessica Rowen win the respective crowns.