San Juan County Fair, Rodeo Roylties named

by David Boyle
News Director
San Juan County Royalty was crowned in mid-June and are busy at work preparing for the annual San Juan County Fair. 
County Fair Royalty has appeared in the Independence Day parade and will be in the Pioneer Day Celebration parade in Monticello, as well as featured at events during the entirety of the county fair.
The 2023 Miss San Juan Queen is Emmry Wilcox, with first attendant Presley Workman and second attendant Madi Snyder.
Contestants for Miss San Juan wrote an essay detailing community service, gave a speech, made an impromptu reading, and were interviewed as part of their evaluation.
The Blue Mountain Round-up Rodeo Queen is Hailie Palmer with her attendant is Dakota Halliday. 
The Junior Rodeo Queen is Aspyn Ivins and her attendant is Haygen Carlson.
Rodeo queen contestants were judged on horseback riding skills, gave a speech and were interviewed as part of their evaluation.
Contestants were judged by a panel of four judges and awarded a scholarship stipend as part of their award.
County Fair Director Anna Fredericks says the fair royalty is a working queenship.
“We use them to run events, MC events, they run the children’s fair crafts, they work really hard and give a lot of service to the community through the fair.”
The girls interact with the public and perform the front-facing duties of the fair staff. Fredericks says the three years the fair didn’t have royalty following Covid-19 was a ton more work for everyone else.
While county fair staff are working out logistics, the royalty interacts with the public.
“They’re definitely not just wearing a crown and banner, they are working hard for their scholarship.”
The royalty rode in the Independence Day Parade in Blanding and will be in the Pioneer Day Parade in Monticello, ahead of being involved in just about every event at the county fair.
Additionally, this year marks the return of the Mini Miss and Mr. San Juan competition held during the county fair.
This year the fair is adding a Little Miss and Mr. San Juan category to make up for those kids who missed their opportunity during the three-year hiatus.
The entry deadline is July 21 for the July 29 event. San Juan County residents aged 3-5 can enter the Mini Miss and Mr. San Juan contest by contacting Kerri Murdock at 435-230-9258.
Mini Miss and Mr. San Juan contest is for those aged 6-8, register by contacting Amy Lyman at 435-459-2423.
Contestants will be asked questions on stage and do a 2-3 minute talent. All participants will receive a prize and winners will ride in the Grand Entry at the rodeo.