By Crystal Hayduk
The audience in the multipurpose arena erupted in cheers and applause as Avery Beeman was named the 2022 Chelsea Community Fair Queen on Aug. 26.
Beeman was crowned by Katie Wickman, the 2021 Fair Queen at the close of the entertaining program showcasing four promising young women.
The judges also selected Beeman as winner of the talent award for her performance of two musical theater songs: “Taylor, the Latte Boy” and “Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again.”
Beeman is the daughter of Orson and Jennifer Beeman of Grass Lake. Her sponsor was Thompson’s Pizza. She is entering her junior year, and was named Jr. Homemaker of the Year at the 2021 Chelsea Fair. She is involved in choir and drama at school, and in her spare time, she enjoys knitting hats for charity. She said her favorite thing about the Chelsea Fair is the atmosphere with all the people. Her little princess was Bow Pangborn.
During the public interview, Beeman said it’s important for youth to get involved in community activities to learn about people and to nurture kindness.
Along with the title of Fair Queen, Beeman will receive a $1,000 scholarship, a crown, two sashes, a trophy, and a floral bouquet.
Emily Trinkle was named first runner-up and was selected Miss Congeniality by the queen candidates. Trinkle won the 2022 Champion Homemaker award earlier in the day. She is a 2022 Dexter High School graduate, currently studying cosmetology. She is the daughter of Chad and Carrie Trinkle and was sponsored by Trinkle’s Crane Service and Rodgers Corners Herdsmen. Trinkle’s talent was sign language. She signed while singing “You are my Sunshine.”
Rayne Cook, a sophomore at Dexter High School, was the second runner-up. Sponsored by The Corner Kennel, she is the daughter of Chris and Karen Wagner. Her talent was deadlifting, demonstrating lifting weights ranging from 135 to 205 pounds—while wearing a cocktail dress and heels.
Amber Konarski recently moved to the area and will begin her junior year at Chelsea High School. The daughter of Patrick and Shannon McDonald, Konarski was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Chelsea. During the talent portion of the program, she sang an a cappella version of “Runaway,” as performed by the Norwegian singer Aurora.
Wickman, a 2022 Chelsea High School graduate, is entering the University of Michigan this fall with plans to major in biomolecular science. In her farewell speech, she said when she received the crown last summer, it made her want to be a better version of herself.
Wickman said all of the contestants put in a great deal of work in the process of running and deserve to win. Her parting word of advice: “There’s only one you. Don’t try to be anyone else.”
