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Elfin' Around Argenta
The Argenta district was all abuzz with a festive group hopping from one pub to another. Beginning at Ump's and ending at Cregeen's, the crew stayed at each place just long enough to enjoy the special drink offered at each location. A portion of the proceeds will help Argenta Community Development Corporation keep low income families warm this winter.
The 69th Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County Fair kicked off Monday, with the Little Mr. and Miss Contest that drew 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds to come costumed to the theme of "Blast to the Past."
Costumes channeling the 1950s or 1980s seemed to be the most in vogue, with lots of black leather jackets, white tee shirts and blue jeans for boys la "Grease" or "The Outsiders," and leg warmers, beads, bows or poodle skirts for girls.
In the 2- and 3-year-old division, the winners were Waylin J. Rowden and Camden J. Musso, both 2.
Rowden came in the style of "The Flintstones," with a pet plush dinosaur on a leash walking across the stage with her, and Musdi was in character as Alfalfa from "The Little Rascals."
Musso even sang a line of Alfalfa's rendition of "You are so Beautiful" that the character sings to fellow character Darla.
Among the 4- and 5-year-olds, the winners were Vyla Hamler and Cotton Callaway, both 5.
Hamler wore a blue poodle skirt, and Callaway sported salmon pants, a pink shirt, grey vest and bow tie.
Callaway, of Eugene, wearing his red felt and jewel-encrusted crown after the event, told the News Tribune that his favorite song is the "Pokémon" theme song, and he wants to wear his crown, at least around his house.
His parents, Kevin and Kristie, said it was the first year Cotton could compete, because they moved into Cole County too late for last year's fair.
All the contestants were asked questions such as what their interests were and what their favorite song was - answers included bossing older siblings around, chasing cats, mimicking cows, going outside, playing with an iPad, puzzles and swimming, and "Old MacDonald had a Farm," "The Wheels on the Bus," AC/DC's "Thunderstruck," Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds" and Lil Nas X's "Old Town Road," though most of the contestants let the stage hosts do the talking.
In addition to the coronations of the little misters and misses, 4-H royalty was also crowned at the fair Monday night: Adeline Thessen, 17, was queen; Gretta Carrenden, 15, princess; and Kylea Kemplar, 11, Clover princess.
The 4-H coronations were based on a selection process that reviewed resumes, essay and involved interviews in private and on stage.