By Chris LaClair
EAGLE TIMES SPORTS EDITOR
CORNISH, N.H. — Nicole Galloway wrapped up her 20-plus years of directing the Cornish Fair Queen and King Contest on a high note as five-time contender Mercedes Garrow captured the crown she had been seeking since she was 17 years old, a task only interrupted by the COVID pandemic that shut down the competition.
“During those five years competing, I got to see this beautiful, smart and extremely talented woman grow into this confident person,” Garroway told Eagle Times readers in a personal note she asked be published in Tuesday’s edition. “She blossomed out of this shy, young girl’s shell.
“She chose to compete because she enjoyed and valued the experiences she gained as a result and the amazing friends she met along the way.”
It was Garroway’s last chance to compete as she would be to old to contend next year.
“She wowed the judges from the beginning in her interview,” Galloway said. “She won the talent singing beautifully and went onto win this year’s Cornish Fair Queen.
“She is one of the reasons I continue to do this — her dedication to the pageant, her drive, her commitment and her will to win.”
Claremont Savings Bank sponsored the Queen and a special thanks went out to Denise Mathews, Machone Pro Sound, the directors of the Cornish Fair and the Boardman family for the donation of the Queens trophy on behalf of Hollis Boardman.
In addition to taking the queen’s crown, Garrow was the talent winner. First runner up was Azalea Hudson, second runner up was Maddie Garrow and the Congeniality title went to Amanda Wittemann.
Ashton Garrow was named Cornish Fair King.
The rest of the Queen contestants included Miriah Lafarr, Gabriella Rheaume, Adele Towne, Fallon Dicks, Hannah Zierfus and Taylor Davis.
For the last several years, Garroway has also directed the Prince and Princess contest.
Nola Whalen was crowned the princess. Lydia Garrow was named runner up. The other three contestants from the top five included Ellery Hazel Adams-Paquin, Lydia Doody and Brooklyn LaClair.
The new prince of the fair is Noah Tillman and Eli Menjivar was runner up.
Prince candidates also included Finn Garrow and Matt Putnam. Princess candidates included Ryleigh Smolnik, Jeayaliz Morales, Reagan MacLeay, Myligha Roman, Scarlet LeBel, Natalie Johnson, Abby Putnam and Coraliz Garcia.
Revitzios donated cash prizes and trophies to the Prince and Princess contest.
Judges for the event were Jill Atwood, Vickie West and April Macdonald. Keeping the official point tally was scorekeeper Kathryn Plouffe. Assistant Director, Amanda Bacon, was integral in keeping things during the contest running smoothly.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.