Dayton Chronicle - Your Hometown News Source

By Charlotte Baker

DAYTON–The Columbia County Fair Board (CCFB) selected four area girls, Cedar Stegall, Alyssa Hollingsworth, Sara Ann Wilson, and Makayla Mikesell, all from Waitsburg, Wash., in February as this year's "Buckles, Boots, and Rodeo Chutes" 2024 Fair Hostesses.

The hostess candidates met with the CCFB selection committee at the Columbia County Fairgrounds Youth Building in February where they were asked to give a brief talk providing an overview of their school, sports, community, and other activities, then were prompted into a question-and-answer segment. Once the interview was complete, selection was made and the group was enrolled in the "Now You Have the Crown" Royalty Clinic in Walla Walla in March to develop their skills in public appearance technique. "This was an opportunity for titleholders to learn everything from Rodeo 101 to public speaking, etiquette, face and hair care, animal welfare, safety, modeling and so much more," said Josilyn Fullerton, Fair Hostess Coordinator.

The following is a brief biography of each of the newly selected fair hostesses.

Cedar Stegall is a 16-year-old junior at Waitsburg High School. At the fair, she has shown pigs in 4-H and sheep and chickens in FFA. "My favorite part about the fair is showing," Stegall said. "I love going in and seeing all my hard work in action. I am very excited for my role as a hostess this year. I think it is an excellent way to get to know more members of my community and to get more involved in the fair."

Alyssa Hollingsworth is a Junior at Waitsburg High School and currently enrolled in Running Start at WWCC. "I enjoy being involved in organizations throughout my community," Hollingsworth said. "I am currently FFA chapter Vice President, National Honor Society Treasurer, a Girl Scout Program Aid, and a Junior Leader in my 4-H club. I raise market hogs and this will be my fifth year exhibiting animals at the Columbia County Fair, and I cannot wait for the season to start! My favorite part of the fair is making the memories in and out of the show arena. I'm super excited to serve as a Columbia County Fair hostess, see you at the fair!"

Sara Ann Wilson is a sophomore at Waitsburg High School. "I participate in FFA and Girl Scouts outside of school," she says. "I have exhibited my photographs at the Columbia County Fair in the past, but my most consistent exhibit is my chickens, which I show during the fitting and showing event. My favorite part of the fair is getting to see the different livestock with their different coat/feather/pelt colors. I'm excited to see what new breeds of chickens are going to be shown this year and maybe I will get to make a list of future breeds to get."

Makayla Mikesell says "Hello all!" She lives in Waitsburg and has spent the last four years trying to learn everything there is to know about the fair industry. "I am grateful to apply this knowledge throughout this upcoming year," Mikesell says. "I have been an exhibitor at Columbia County Fair for four years. I have shown hogs and I have also submitted art projects done by my 4-H group and me. My favorite part of the Columbia County Fair is most definitely the derby nights. I look forward to it every year. Whether it is sitting in the chutes, in the stands, or by the cars, it is always one of the best times. I am super excited about this year's Columbia County Fair. I am grateful to be a fair hostess this year and be able to represent the community. I cannot wait to be more involved at the fair, as well as showing my hogs."

These 2024 Columbia County Fair Hostesses will tentatively make their first appearance at the Asotin County Fair Parade on April 27, 2024. If your organization or business would like to request the hostesses at an event, please contact Josilyn Fullerton at [email protected]