Published: March 23, 2009 08:52 pm      

49th Annual Henderson County Livestock Show: HCLS crowns regal riders

Stock show names its 2009 Queen and Princess on Monday evening

The coronation is over and now the duties begin for the 2009 Henderson County Livestock Show royalty.

Athens High School sophomore Calli Bane is the new Queen while La Poynor Junior High School sixth grader Kelsey Bristow will serve as Princess.

The regal ceremony was held Monday night at the Henderson County Fair Park Coliseum as a curtain-raiser for the 49th annual show which runs through Saturday.

“I’m very excited and can’t wait to start handing out ribbons,” Bane said. “There was a lot of good competition for the crown this year.”

The Queen is the daughter of Royce and Cindy Bane. She is an officer in the Athens FFA, and a member the Athens Rodeo Team participating in barrel racing.

“I’ve competed in the speed horse events and shown pigs for years,” Bane said. “I want to be a part of the show for as long as I can.”

The new Princess, Bristow, is the daughter of Kelly and Roy Gonzales and Keith Bristow, of Poyner. She’ll be showing hogs and competing on her horse, Missy, in the timed events. She is a member of La Poynor FFA, Athens Riding Club and the Lone Star Rodeo Association.

“I feel confident and honored to be named princess,” Bristow said. “I want to thank everyone who has helped us, and the judges.”

Bane was presented the crown and banner by 2008 Queen, Megan Crabtree. Outgoing Princess Caridad Agullara bestowed the honors on Bristow.

The first runner-up in the queen competition is Kelsey Hirsch.

Adrianne Kinnabrew captured the runner-up princess spot.

Competitors were judged on congeniality, western attire, horsemanship, and a personal interview.

In the queen competition, Bane won the personal interview portion of the event and western attire, while Hirsch won for congeniality.

The horsemanship award went to Brooke Williams.

In the princess competition, Kennedy Ballow won congeniality, Bristow won western attire and personal interview, while horsemanship went to Meredith Foster.

The compete list of princess contestants includes:

• Kennedy Ballow of East Texas Young Riders

• Kelsey Bristow of LaPoynor FFA

• Paige Fisher of East Texas Young Riders

• Katy Folmar of East Texas Young Riders

• Meredith Foster of Big Rock 4-H

• Adrianne Kinabrew of Happy Days 4-H

• Macy Mills of East Texas Young Riders

• Callie Moltz of East Texas Young Riders

Queen Contestants include:

• Callie Bane of Athens FFA

• Shelby Couey of Murchison 4-H

• Megan DeFoe of Happy Days 4-H

• Sydney Hawk of East Texas Young Riders

• Kelsey Hirsch of Horizon 4-H

• Taylor Ricard of Cayuga FFA

• Brooke Williams of Brownsboro FFA