2/8/2011
Miranda Ferrari of Bridgeport was chosen from among 83 contestants as “Miss West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals” at the group’s annual pageant, held in Charleston January 14-15. Ferrari, who represented the West Virginia Strawberry Festival in the “Queen of Queens” contest, will reign over the State Fair of West Virginia August 12-20, 2011.
Ferrari, 20, is the daughter of Patricia Ferrari and is a sophomore at West Virginia University, where she is majoring in Exercise Physiology. Her career ambition is to specialize in orthodontics.
“Many of West Virginia’s fairs and festivals have agricultural roots and carry on those traditions,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Gus R. Douglass. “However, these events have become much more. They have broad appeal and create economic opportunity in their local communities. I’m proud of the help the Department has been able to provide them over the years, and I think these events will become even more valuable in the future.”
Ferrari’s court is: First Runner-Up Nicole Marie Shockcor, 21, of Morgantown, daughter of Patrice Anderson and William Shockcor, representing the Sutton Fall Festival; Second Runner-Up Sarah Thorne, 20, of Moorefield, daughter of Tim and Paulette Thorne, representing the West Virginia Poultry Festival; Third Runner-Up Leslie Garrett, 18, of Charleston, daughter of Stanley and Pamela Garrett of Mt. Zion, representing the Clay County Golden Delicious Festival; Fourth Runner-Up Gabrielle Ash, 21, of Salem, daughter of Paula and Tim Ash, representing Frontier Days.
Judges chose Richwood Ramp Festival Queen Erika Butler, 18, of Summersville as Ms. Photogenic. She is the daughter of Claude Butler and Jenny Spencer.
Ms. Congeniality was awarded to Putnam County Fair Queen Allene Conner, 18, of Winfield, daughter of Ed and Beth Connor.
Consisting of nearly 150 member-events throughout the Mountain State, the West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals (WVAFF) provides members with informational and networking opportunities. The annual convention includes a trade show and entertainment showcase that assists event representatives in booking activities for their respective events.
Among the informational sessions this year were planning “green” events, involving youth in activities and planning for severe weather.
Special guests at this year’s event included Jim Tucker, President and CEO of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), and Cindy Hoye, Immediate Past Chair of the IAFE and Manager of the Indiana State Fair, who was the keynote speaker at the annual Agricultural Luncheon, sponsored by WVDA.
Contact Information
Gus R. Douglass
douglass@ag.state.wv.us