Fair queen survives swimsuit mistake

Despite a slight wardrobe malfunction, a Lakeside High School graduate took the Miss Columbia County Fair crown on Saturday.

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Martinez resident Tiffany Scott won the 37th annual scholarship pageant held at the Greenbrier High School auditorium.

"This is my fourth time (in the pageant), so I really wanted it, and I finally got it," said Scott, who graduated from Lakeside in 2005.

With 19 contestants competing, the pageant featured three categories -- interview, fitness/swimsuit and evening gown. The judges interviewed each contestant before the pageant started.

Though Scott endured a wardrobe mishap before the swimsuit portion of the pageant, she said she felt amazing after receiving her crown.

The 22-year-old said she left her swimsuit top at home and was forced to borrow a different-colored top from another contestant.

"Everybody was so cordial," said pageant director Pat Becton. "The girls just had such a good time with each other."

The 2008 Miss Columbia County Fair queen, Jocelyn Harper, crowned Scott.

Scott, who hopes to work for the American Cancer Society, said she enjoys community service and volunteering opportunities.

"I just want to be the most positive role model," she said.

As queen, Scott will take part in opening ceremonies for the Columbia County Fair on Nov. 5, serve as the honorary-tree lighter for the county's Christmas in America Festival on Dec. 5 and ride on a float during the 44th annual Martinez-Evans Christmas Parade on Dec. 6.

She also will go on to compete in Atlanta against other fair queens from throughout the state.

"I think she'll do us good in Atlanta," Becton said. "I think she'll make us proud."