636-239-2715
office@washmofair.com
office@washmofair.com
 Fairgrounds Rules - please take a few moments to review rules for the fairgrounds. View the schedule of events. You can also download the schedule app (WashMOFair 23) in the Apple and Google app stores. TICKETS Tickets can be purchased at the gate, or online in advance. We recommend purchasing in advance to bypass the ticket line and go straight to the scanning line. If you purchased your tickets in advance, please do one of the following prior to arriving at the Fairgrounds:
NEW this year: The West Gate (gate closest to most parking) has been reconfigured to allow for separate lines for those needing to purchase tickets, and those ready to have tickets scanned. Please pay attention to the signs and go to the correct lane to save yourself time! FREE SHUTTLE SYSTEM Round-Trip transportation is provided by First Student. fairgoers are picked up at one of our shuttle lots and dropped off at the North Gate entrance on North Park Drive.  PARKING
Please use 400 Grand Ave, Washington, MO 63090 in your GPS. On Grand Avenue drive past the Y toward the fairgrounds. Fairgoer parking is available in the Eckelkamp Lot (to the left of Grand). A VERY limited number of parking spaces will be available in the Miller Lot off of Bernhard. Handicap parking is available near the West Gate. Enter from Veterans Drive off Grand Avenue. *Requires state-issued handicap license plate or placard. Grand Avenue from Veterans Drive to Bernhard will be one-way traffic. No one will be permitted to turn right onto N Park Drive from Bernhard. DROP-OFF GATE Fairgoers can be dropped off and picked up at the Northwest Gate located on North Park Drive (by the midway). As a reminder, North Park Drive is a 2-lane, one-way street the week of the Fair. We recommend entering the Drop Off/Pick Up line from West Main - Bernhard, rather than taking Grand Avenue to North Park. SAFETY TIPS Parents of young children - take a photo of your young children so if you get separated, helpers can more easily identify your child. Parents of older children/teens. Phones are a great tool, but please don't rely on them as your only way to reach your child. Set a meet up time and location before you separate!
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 Kaitlyn Patke What was your favorite event from the Queen Contest and why? My favorite event was the Day in Washington! It was super fun to do the scavenger hunt and decorate cookies with the girls and learn a little bit more about my hometown. Did you learn anything new during the process? Oh absolutely! In our first professional development, I learned how to write a proper thank you, what to include in a resume, and really good fashion tips. I know I will use these tidbits of information in my professional career. Did you develop any new friendships throughout the summer? Yes! I still keep in touch with most of the girls and we get together every once in a while. What encouragement would you give to someone thinking of entering the contest? Do it! Trust me, I am not the type of girl to put on a long formal dress and walk on a stage but I am so glad I did. I learned valuable lessons from local professionals and the Queen Mommas, made lasting friendships, and put myself in a good position to develop my professional career. Describe the Queen Contest Summer Experience in one word: Inspiring Anything else you want to make sure we know? Once you get to the interview, you will be shaking in your boots. Just know that it is normal to be nervous about something you care about.  Madeline Agee What was your favorite event from the Queen Contest and why? My favorite event was definitely the yoga at the riverfront. It was so fun getting to do yoga with Miss. Elaine while watching the Missouri River go by. Did you learn anything new during the process? I learned so much during the process. I especially liked all the insight I gained from some of Washington’s own female entrepreneurs. Did you develop any new friendships throughout the summer? I made so many new connections during the contest, both the fellow contestants and people around Washington. What encouragement would you give to someone thinking of entering the contest? I would encourage everyone to do the fair queen contest. While I originally thought it was only a one night contest, it turned into an entire summer worth of experiences. Describe the Queen Contest Summer Experience in one word: If I had to describe the fair queen contest in one word, I describe it as life-changing.  Maria Hellebusch
What was your favorite event from the Queen Contest and why? My favorite event from the queen contest was probably the day that we made cookies and did a scavenger hunt around downtown Washington! I loved getting to be creative and learn more about the girls while we spent time together! Did you learn anything new during the process? I loved the day of professionalism, because I learned so many new things about how to dress for an interview, and many interview tips and other hospitality tips that I never knew before! Did you develop any new friendships throughout the summer? I made many new friends throughout the experience and I have gotten close with many of the girls because of spending time even outside of the planned events! What encouragement would you give to someone thinking of entering the contest? I would say to try it out if you even consider doing it because it may become more than you could ever imagine! I would not have branched out as much as I did or had the opportunities I had if I didn’t try. Describe the Queen Contest Summer Experience in one word: Amazing! Anything else you want to make sure we know? I am so grateful for everyone that made the amazing experience happen and I can’t wait to be on the queen committee one day! Dear Friend of the Fair: Plans are well underway for the 2023 Washington Town & Country Fair and we are excited for what the year will bring! We are honored to organize an event that brings so much fun to fairgoers while also creating a lasting impact on our community. Neither would be possible without our generous supporters. Two of the most popular and easy ways to contribute to the Fair’s success are through Queen Contestant and/or Booster sponsorship.
For questions, contact Tammy Adragna. For additional sponsorship opportunities, contact Jennifer Giesike. We hope that we can count on your support and look forward to seeing you at the Fair!  Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived. The 2022 Washington Town and Country Fair has crowned its queen! Let’s take a moment to reflect on the wonderful summer our queen contestants have experienced, all leading up to this day.
Their adventures began way back in May, taking their headshots at Fricke Studio and attending group Orientation. As the month of June unfolded, the contestants had various events on their plate to kickstart the summer! They practiced yoga, learned self-defense, practiced professionalism, and unleashed their creative side in a painting night. July also presented itself with fun bonding events such as Empac & Orange Leaf, a wonderful day in Washington, interview practice at the Bank of Washington, and stage rehearsals. Before we knew it, Fair week was upon us. To kick it all off, the contestants participated in the annual Walk/Run and rode through the Fair Parade in style. This wrapped up an incredible summer full of fun, learning, and newfound friendships… all of which is made possible year after year by the queen committee, sponsors, the lovely contestants, and many others. Now for the part you’ve all been waiting for, the coronation! Unfortunately, the weather did not hold out for the contest, due to a severe thunderstorm that forced the grounds to close. :( However, the show must go on! In response, the contest was relocated to the Borgia High School Theatre and streamed online for viewers at home. The contestants looked stunning as they took the stage one by one. After 2021 Fair Queen Abigail Tobben shared her thoughts with the crowd, the judges had made their final decision and the results were in. She then proceeded to crown this year’s court. Thank you to all of our outstanding queen contestants for an amazing summer. The 2022 Washington Town & Country Fair Queen Court is as follows. Congratulations ladies! Queen: Maria Hellebusch, Sponsored by the Bank of Washington First Runner Up: Grace Bryson, Sponsored by Washington Hearing Center Second Runner Up: Lindsey Molitor, Sponsored by Town & Country Nursery Miss Congeniality: Miranda Yarbrough, Sponsored by Janie Schriewer & Assoc. Re/Max Results That’s a wrap on the 2022 Fair Queen Blog! Thank you all for keeping up with the queens and showing my writing lots of love each week. Being able to follow alongside these amazing ladies and share their experiences this summer has been incredible. Signing off, Emma Duncan :)  The time has come for our last pre-contest event with our queens! WOW has this summer flown by. It seems like just yesterday our lovely contestants were doing yoga and practicing self-defense! :) Prior to taking the stage for rehearsal on Wednesday evening, the girls enjoyed a pizza dinner followed by some sweet treats. After wrapping up dinner, it was time to vote for Miss Congeniality, do a final ticket sale report, and then head out to the stage. On stage, the girls were greeted by musicians, the emcee, microphones, and risers to make this night feel like the real deal. The 2021 queen court was also present to help with the stage walk and give the girls some feedback. The queen committee ensured the contestants that the long night would be worth it, and by Wednesday they would be ready for anything! With this reassurance, the rehearsal began.
The girls took turns first introducing themselves and then strutting down the catwalk as the emcee announced a bit more about their hobbies and involvements. After each contestant took her turn, they found their place on the risers as the next girl began to walk. This was when I decided to pull the girls who had already walked backstage for a fun “behind the scenes” video. If you follow the Fair Facebook or TikTok you may have already seen it… but if not, give us a follow @washmofair! I won’t give too much else away about rehearsal, but I will say that the queens are more than ready for Wednesday evening! All that remains now are their interviews with the judges. These lovely ladies have worked hard all summer to prepare for this event, so I know they would be more than thrilled to see you there! It’s a can’t miss on Wednesday, August 3rd at the Pepsi Main Stage, as long as our weather cooperates. :) Until next time, (For the last time!) Emma Duncan  A 6:45 AM alarm clock has nothing on these ladies! An early Saturday wake up call, the queens came ready and eager to start the morning off right with some exercise at the Run/Walk event. After the 10K and 5K runners hit the route, the queen committee and contestants jumped in with the 5K walkers. I decided to join in on the fun, walking with the queens for the event. Let me tell you, 3.1 miles has never gone by faster! The most enthusiastic participants of the morning, you could hear these girls talking, laughing, and cheering on all the other contestants from just about anywhere on the route. :) I also had the opportunity to get to know some of the girls better, and to hear some of their thoughts as their incredible queen contestant experience comes to a close. “I’m just counting down the days!” one of the girls told me. “Excited would be an understatement!” “It’s just gone by way too fast,” said another one of the queens, “I’m not ready for this experience to be over!” After we had finished the 5K walk, the girls grabbed some snacks and refreshments before lending a hand with the Kids’ Fun Run. It was such a great way to spend the morning and kick off the crazy, amazing week ahead!  It was all smiles, sashes, and stoked queens for Fair Parade Sunday! Our contestants arrived in style, just about an hour before the parade began so that they could put posters on their convertibles and situate themselves in the parade lineup. The girls had gotten together the day prior to make their posters for the parade, which turned out beautifully! After the pre-parade prep was complete, the girls waited for the clock to strike four, signaling for the parade to begin.
Soon enough it was go-time, and the 2022 Washington Town & Country Fair Parade was in full swing! I positioned myself along the route so I could capture the queens as they passed by and after various floats, cars, firetrucks, and people paraded by, I could see the convertibles coming my way. :) Smiling and waving as they rode by in style, all the queens looked AMAZING! The crowd thought so too, loudly cheering each time a pair of queens passed by. A beautiful weekend for the walk/run and parade, the queen contestants are now closer than ever to contest day. These ladies have been preparing all summer, so you will not want to miss the big finale on Wednesday evening at 8 pm on the Main Stage! Stay tuned for a behind the scenes of their final stage rehearsal taking place this Monday, as we look forward to their big day. Until next time, Emma Duncan  Our last queen contestant event before the fair fun has come and gone! On Thursday, the girls gathered in the Bank of Washington’s conference space for their mock interviews. Serving as judges for the day were professionals from the Washington area. The morning began around 9 o’clock as the contestants filed in dressed professionally, resumes in hand, eager to see what the day had in store. The room quickly filled with nervous yet excited chatter amongst the girls, who could be heard practicing interview questions and asking last minute questions. After everyone had arrived and conversations subsided, the panel of professionals introduced themselves. Shortly after the professionals were split into groups of three and sent off to their interview rooms with their prepared questions. After everything was settled, it was time to send the first group of girls in to meet with the judges.
Each interview was conducted in 15 minutes, allowing for a bit more time in preparation for the 7 minute interviews the day of the contest. After each interview wrapped up, the judges were then to give the girls both constructive and positive feedback about how they did, giving them an idea of how to better prepare for the day of the contest. As the first group of girls was sent off, the queen committee tried to ease any nerves by encouraging the girls to be themselves and find confidence. Fifteen minutes later the first group emerged back with smiling faces and looks of relief! After conquering their mock interviews, they assured the remaining contestants that it was nothing to fret about and not to be nervous. In hearing this, you could feel the rest of the room relax as the remaining contestants waited for their turns. After one of the contestants had finished her interview, I pulled her aside to ask how it went and gain some insight! “I did practice a few times with my family members and some of the other queen contestants,” she replied when I asked if she had felt prepared going into the practice interview. “However, I was still a bit nervous. But the judges were just looking at me nicely and not in a condescending way which made me feel more relaxed,” she said, adding that pretending those were the real judges helped tremendously. “I definitely think I’ll still be a little nervous for the big day, but I’ve found that in practicing today I was able to relax and compose myself before answering their questions… so I hope that I can do the same during the real interview!” They say that practice makes perfect, so it was awesome that the girls were able to get a feel for what the real deal may look like. Join us in catching up with the queens during the last few remaining blogs, featuring the Run/Walk, Parade, Stage Rehearsals, and the big finale Queen Contest. I hope you all have enjoyed reading these blogs as much as I have enjoyed writing them and spending time with our wonderful queen contestants this summer! They are all such amazing women, and I cannot wait to see what these remaining weeks have in store for them. :) Until next time, Emma Duncan  Last week, our queen contestants experienced a day full of fun and learning in downtown Washington! The annual “day in Washington,” began at the Historical Society, where we learned all about the town’s rich history. The queens and I were greeted by Katie Dieckhaus, Executive Director of the Washington Historical Society, who was so kind to give us a tour of the building. She also shared her knowledge of the town, explaining how the city came to be. As the tour moved along, Katie spotlighted different displays and shared some fun facts with us. Since this blog is all about taking you along with me for the full queen experience, let me share a bit of what we learned! Did you know…
The queens and I had the best time soaking up everything Katie shared with us. Without a doubt, her passion for her job and love of the community of Washington made her the perfect guide for today's tour! After answering all the girls’ questions, she allowed time for everyone to leisurely browse the museum before we headed off to the next destination. If you ever get the chance to check out the Washington Historical Society Museum, take it! They had some of the neatest displays, books, and information regarding the town’s history. It was the perfect way to kick off our day in Washington. Up next on our agenda was a combination of cookie decorating and selfie scavenger hunting! The queens split themselves into two groups for this, so that while one of the groups was cookie decorating at the Chamber office, the others could hit the town for the scavenger hunt. I hung back with the first group of cookie decorators and watched as they were given a lesson on how to ice the perfect cookie by SaraKay Hannel of Fairytale Cookie Co. The girls were given two different bags of icing and two plain round cookies to make their creation, which SaraKay told them was going to be a smiley face! :) “I believe that a smile is the best accessory that you can wear,” SaraKay told the girls. “Especially as you walk across the stage during the contest!” Keeping this advice in mind as they worked with their materials, the contestants produced some creative cookie creations! After their delicious masterpieces were done, it was time for the groups to swap places. Thanking SaraKay for her time and awesome tutorial, the queens grabbed their scavenger hunt lists and hit the town! On the list were riddles and hints that intended to lead the queens to different landmarks and businesses in the downtown Washington area. Each team would have to find the places they believed that the clues were supposed to take them and capture a group selfie. For example, one of the riddles read, “Your grandma collects mugs from places she visits. Find a shop that sells mugs that say Washington, MO on them,” which led the groups to I.B. Nuts & Fruit Too. With thirteen total riddles to complete, the girls had an absolute blast, as you can see from some of their photos! The eventful, educational day in Washington concluded and the contestants met back in the Chamber building for a Q&A session regarding the Contest. With the fair creeping closer, the enthusiasm in the air is REAL! Join us later this week for day of “Professional Development” number two, our last event before stage rehearsals and fair fun.
Until next time, Emma  On Thursday, July 7th the queens met for an afternoon of Empac and Orange Leaf! Unfortunately, I was unable to personally attend this event, however I was still able to get the inside scoop thanks to a few of the candidates who were willing to share their experiences with me. :) A fun twist, the queens were joined by the 2021 fair queen court for this adventure. The afternoon began at the Empac group location in Washington, where the girls were given a tour of the facility by Empac's plant manager, John Walsh. For those unfamiliar with Empac, the organization has been providing custom manufacturing, assembly and packaging solutions to partners in the St. Louis and Franklin County Region since 1967. They currently employ hundreds of those impacted with disabilities, providing a range of employment opportunities within the surrounding communities. "We are a company that can compete with any other packaging company in the country," Walsh remarked. "The CEOs in charge of companies that purchase from us usually don't even know that we are a handicapped facility." The girls absolutely loved the tour, which allowed them to see how different goods are made and packaged. "We teach them all kinds of common skills," Walsh said, "like how to use nail guns and how to read tape measures and blueprints. But the biggest thing is just how to work well with others." One of the queens who shared her experience with me mentioned that her favorite part of the afternoon was personally talking with the staff. "It was really intriguing to hear their stories and ask them about their jobs," she told me. Christa Mohesky, Director of Operations, also met the girls on their tour and gave them more details about Empac. As well as providing work for their employees, she explained that they also give a sense of community. "Our folks love to come to work, it's a huge part of their social life," she said. "They have friends here and some even have boyfriends and girlfriends here!" The queens giggled and then proceeded to ask both Christa and John any remaining questions they had about their work. As their Empac experience ended, the girls posed for a picture outside with their tour guides to capture the moment. If you look closely at the picture, you can see that the queens received their sashes - which we are SO excited about! Following Empac, it just so happened to be “sweet treat o’clock” … so the queen clan went to Orange Leaf to debrief over froyo! As the girls visited and discussed their day together, they also started to look forward to their next event. Spoiler alert! It’s an eventful day in Washington that you won’t want to miss. :) Until next time,
Emma  Janet Rudd, owner and artist of Creative Touch Paint and Design, helped the queens tap into their inner artist by hosting a painting night at her studio on Wednesday, June 29th. As the girls filed in and seated themselves, Janet welcomed them and introduced herself and her space. The girls and I then got a complete tour of the beautiful studio, which eventually led us into the main painting space where a large, mysterious structure was revealed. At that point Janet explained to the girls that instead of making their own paintings this year, they would instead be working together to create a fun, fair-themed, photo opportunity on the giant, canvas-like structure. The girls’ faces lit up and the room immediately filled with excited chatter! No time was wasted as the brainstorming process began immediately, followed by sketching and doodling. Now I won't give too much away, but basically each girl chose her own section of the mural and decorated it as she wished, using full creative freedom! Aware that not everyone possesses Picasso-like paintbrush skills, Janet assured all the queens that, “If you’re hardworking, have good character, and collaborate, you can do anything!” This proved to be true as the girls worked seamlessly together and their mural started to come together. After around two hours of busy pencils, paintbrushes flying everywhere, and paint filling the canvas, their project was nearly done. They worked long and hard, making sure that their creation was picture perfect, and were pleased with the results! Alongside her artistic expertise, Janet also left each of the girls with their very own studio paintbrush, a great keepsake to remember the evening.  Their final masterpiece will be displayed in the fair parade on Sunday, July 31st. But if you can’t make it out to the parade, don’t sweat it. The photo op created by Janet and the queens will be on display ALL week long at the fairgrounds!
Until next time, Emma |
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