Hundreds of youth flock to the Iowa State Fairgrounds with one goal in mind, a coveted state fair ribbon. For JHS sophomore Paige Neighbors, her goal and eventual success was to be placed on the Polk County Royal Court.
Along the way she also earned a best of class ribbon in floriculture and a state fair ribbon in photography, the highest available ribbon given to non-perishable entries.
“I spent upwards of 15 hours working just on my projects,” Neighbors said.
Many of Neighbors opportunities and successes in the County Fair stem from 4-H, an agricultural and youth development club with distinct ties to the fair.
“This is my third year in 4-H. I’ve been as involved as I can be and I love the program,” Neighbors said.
Since Neighbors joined 4-H in 8th grade she has done over a dozen ‘static projects’. A static project is classified by any entry that is not a live animal and is displayed in the 4-H building on the fairgrounds. Additionally, she has been a key member in the planning of community service events. She holds a chair on the County Council; this council is responsible for numerous tasks overlooking the Polk County 4-H season.
“I’ve been on the County Council for a few weeks now. They plan the entire county fair, a breakfast one day of the fair, and games plus events throughout the year,” Neighbors said.
4-H officially kicks off in early September and lasts until the county fair concludes in mid-July. Almost half-way through the season at a January meeting for the Jester Dreamers, the name of the 4-H club Neighbors is involved with, she was nominated to run to represent her club on the royal court.
“I was nominated by my friend, Kenzie. It kinda happened that when they asked if anyone was interested she raised her hand and said ‘I’ll go for queen, Paige will do princess’,” Neighbors said.
From January until interviews in April, Neighbors was frequently caught diligently working on her application. She had multiple teachers, peers, family members, and even her little sisters look over and critique her short essay responses.
“My little sisters, Julia and Lexi, were definitely my biggest critics when reading my application. I thought it was really funny, because they’re jerks, but actually they were super helpful,” Neighbors said.
As the fair approached, Neighbors didn’t only have her eye on the crown. Alongside her soon-to-be coronation, Neighbors sent in ten different ‘static projects’ to be examined for a ribbon.
“The first year I submitted for the fair and I sent in four [static projects]. This past summer though I locked in and submitted ten,” Neighbors said.
Neighbors received a best-in-show ribbon for her floriculture, the highest available ribbon for a plant.
“I didn’t know [I’d won]. Lilly Bresson sent me a photo of it…I wasn’t in the building, but I knew my project got held back for further consideration. I was pretty excited, I had put a lot of work into that project specifically and I was very proud of it,” Neighbors said.
Along with the floriculture, at the County Fair she won a purple ribbon in photography. She sent in a photo of her pet lizard, Yoshi, sitting on a guitar string. A purple ribbon is an immediate bid to the State Fair, there she won a blue ribbon.
“I was covered in water, washing José [a horse]. Lilly, again, found my project and within minutes had texted me that I won. I wanted to jump up and down, but if I did it would’ve scared the horse, so I had to stay calm,” Neighbors said.
From winning ribbons to watching her sisters show horses, Neighbors watched the fair zip by until it was time to announce the court. As Sunday afternoon approached and the crowning ceremony commenced, Neighbors would stand on the stage alongside the six other Princess nominees. In the moments leading up to the coronation that would induct the winner, Neighbors. Not used to the pageant spotlight, Neighbors was far from composed.
“I was standing in the horse barn with my hair curled…I had just finished doing my makeup sort of panicking…I almost forgot my heels before I went on stage and had to get my Dad to go get them,” Neighbors said.
Neighbors, properly dressed and accessorized, smiled and waved to the audience as she was introduced to the crowd. She stood still in her place with her opponents on either side. Family and friends watched with anticipation as the announcer declared her name.
“When I found that I won, I was so excited and a little bit shocked because I hadn’t been in 4-H as long as the other contestants,” Neighbors said.
Neighbors moved to claim her crown. She shook hands with several people and had the tiara set gently atop her scalp.
“I had to introduce myself to the kid who won Prince. It was really awkward because I had to hold flowers and the crown was slipping off my head. He was really nice though,” Neighbors said.
As Neighbors headed backstage, standing behind the curtain she took one misstep and then,
“I tripped…I’m horrendous at walking in heels. Luckily, I caught myself in time, but I fell enough that I asked my dad to go get my boots…he was dying laughing,” Neighbors said.
The news of her victory quickly spread and everyone gave Neighbors their congratulations.
“I texted my friend, Lucy, a photo of me wearing the tiara and she said ‘My stunning amazing best friend is a princess…proud of you’,” Neighbors said.
Since claiming her crown Neighbors had a new heap of responsibilities placed on her shoulders along with being a regular fair participant.
“Part of our duties are handing out ribbons at different shows. I got to judge a goat costume contest, handed out ribbons at the county fair, and even had to help chase a kid’s bottle calf [baby cow] when it got loose,” Neighbors said.
Eventually though, the July heat will singe the grass and the 4-H youths will return to their beloved County Fair. Neighbors will be eligible to compete as queen and another princess will be crowned.
“I truly believe there is a place for everyone. I really love 4-H and I think it’s incredible at building responsibilities and other skills that anyone could use for a long time,” Neighbors said.