2011 Mason County Fair Queen Jordan Cullen (sitting, third from left) was recently honored at a reception by Ohio Valley Bank which included the introduction of this year’s Mason County Fair Queen contestants. Pictured are Taylor Kinnaird, Marsha Pearson, Kayla Mitchell, Lori Wooten, Kayla Thomas, Lauren Lanier, Kelsey Zuspan, Madison Crank, Lauren Roush, Deeanna Sayre, Tori Walker.

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POINT PLEASANT — This week, 11 young ladies running for the coveted title of Mason County Fair Queen were introduced at a reception for outgoing Queen Jordan Cullen hosted by Ohio Valley Bank.

OVB has been a long time supporter of the Mason County Fair Queen Pageant which gets under way at 8 p.m., Monday, Aug. 6 on the fair’s main stage. Several awards will also be presented, including the Annette Hanes Award, Amy Boggs Award and Brandy Barkey Community Service Award.

The 11 contestants for this year’s pageant are (in alphabetical order): Madison Crank of Henderson, daughter of Bill and Amy Crank; Taylor Kinnaird of Gallipolis Ferry, daughter of Shad Kinnaird and Christy Thompson; Lauren Lanier of Point Pleasant, daughter of Barrett and Angela Lanier; Kayla Mitchell of Point Pleasant, daughter of Darrell and Debbie Mitchell; Marsha Pearson of Mason, daughter of Rick and Becky Pearson; Lauren Roush of Mason, daughter of Jamie and Rebecca Roush; Deeanna Sayre of Mason, daughter of Stephen Sayre and Donita Sayre; Kayla Thomas of Leon, daughter of David and JoAnn Thomas; Tori Walker of Point Pleasant, daughter of Darin and Vickie Walker; Lori Wooten of Point Pleasant, daughter of Michael and Tia Wooten; Kelsey Zuspan of West Columbia, daughter of Frederick and Sonia Zuspan.

The lucky girl chosen to reign over this year’s fair will also receive an impressive prize package, including a crown, courtesy of Siders Jewelers, sash courtesy of Deal Funeral Home, flowers courtesy of Floral Fashions, crown pin courtesy of Victoria’s Prom and Bridal, $600 cash from OVB, $50 cash in member of Amy C. Boggs by her family, $75 gift certificate courtesy of Advanced Design, $100 gift certificate courtesy Elizabeth Michael’s, $50 gas card from Point Financial Services (Larry Jones, agent), magnetic car signs courtesy KDL Autobody, gift basket courtesy B and J Productions, photo session and 16 x 20 framed portrait courtesy Putney’s Photography, a full year of tanning courtesy Camp Conley Mart Exxon, camper for queen’s lodging during the fair courtesy of Burdette Camping Center, John Deere Gator for queen’s transportation during the fair courtesy of Stover Trucking Company, LLC, trophy and all expense paid trip to compete in the 2013 West Virginia Fairs and Festivals Pageant in Charleston in January, courtesy of Mason County Fair Board. The queen will also receive a major gift basket filled with items from area businesses.

First, second and third runners-up will also receive a variety of prizes from local businesses, including sashes, flowers and trophies. There will also be awards for Miss Congeniality and Miss Photogenic. Recognition for Top Promotional and Top Evening Gown will also be made.

This week’s reception for Cullen and the introduction of this year’s fair contestants was held at the Point Pleasant Moose Lodge and again, hosted by OVB with OVB Spokesperson Jeff Smith as the emcee. During the reception, Smith spoke about the bank’s connection to the fair and recognized fair board members with Brian Billings from the fair board speaking. Special recognition was also made to those former fair queens in the audience at the reception.

Again, special recognition was also given to Cullen who is a 2010 graduate of Point Pleasant High School and will soon be a junior at West Virginia University School of Nursing with plans to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist. A 12 year member of the Hillbillies 4-H Club, Cullen is also the daughter of Jack and Joann Cullen of Letart.