North Augustan crowned queen of 2010 county fair
North Augusta High School senior Lacey Ferguson will reign this year as the 2010 Columbia County Fair Queen.
//
The 18-year old was crowned Saturday during the 38th annual Miss Columbia County Fair Scholarship Pageant at Greenbrier High School.
"It was a surprise, but a very, very good surprise," Ferguson said. "I tried my best, so I'm extremely happy with the results."
Eleven girls vied for the title, competing in three categories -- interview, swimsuit and evening gown. Contestants were interviewed by judges before the pageant.
Miss Columbia County Fair's 2009 queen, Tiffany Scott, crowned Ferguson at the pageant. In addition to the crown, Ferguson received $500, a trophy and banner, roses and a gift basket.
Ferguson, who had not competed in the county's fair pageant before Saturday, said she enjoys volunteering for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
"I feel that I've been so blessed," she said. "When I'm given the opportunity to give back to the community, I really take that seriously."
At North Augusta High School, Ferguson is a member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, Student Council and is vice president of her senior class. She also is captain of the school's varsity cheerleading squad and is a teacher cadet.
After graduating high school, Ferguson hopes to attend the University of South Carolina Aiken to study nursing.
The pageant, sponsored by The Merchants Association of Columbia County, was open to young women ages 17 to 23 who live in the Augusta area and have never been married.
Ferguson will represent the county in Atlanta at the state pageant in January.
Pageant director Pat Becton said she believes Ferguson will do well when competing with other fair queens on the state level.
"She's got a good personality," Becton said. "In every aspect of the pageant, she did good."
Several honors are bestowed upon Ferguson as the county's new fair queen.
On Nov. 4, she will cut the ribbon during opening ceremonies at the Columbia County Fair.
Ferguson will be an honorary Christmas tree-lighter for the county's Dec. 4 ceremony and ride in the 45th annual Martinez-Evans Christmas Parade Dec. 5.