Clallam County’s princess candidates are readying to “tea” off this weekend.
Sequim girls Hannah Fritz, Hannah Gauthun and Mia Steben vie to become the fair’s next queen at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29, in the Clallam County Fairgrounds Expo Building, 1608 W. 16th St., Port Angeles.
They’ll stand before judges and answer questions for a chance to earn a $500 scholarship as queen or $400 as a princess.
For the year, the fair royalty will ride in nine parades, participate in multiple community service events totaling more than 400 hours each and be front and center at the Clallam County Fair from Aug. 14-17.
Attendees are encouraged to sip tea with these and other well-known “Disney” princesses and help the royalty court by bidding on silent auction items.
Christine Paulsen, royalty chairman, encourages people to bring their cameras for a shot with the fair’s princesses.
About the candidates
Fritz, a senior, and Steben, a sophomore, are homeschooled while Gauthun, a junior, attends Sequim High School and Peninsula College’s Running Start. The three girls all hail from different backgrounds but have a similar purpose in trying out — community service and to represent the county.
Why do you want to be on the fair royalty?
Hannah Fritz: I would like to become more involved in my community and this seems like a great way to do that.
Hannah Gauthun: I wanted to get more involved with my community and I thought this would be a fun opportunity to do so. I’ve always wanted to wear a pretty dress on a float, too.
Mia Steben: I wanted to run because of (the fair’s) involvement in the county. Royalty opens new experiences and great opportunities for me, whether through community service or by meeting new individuals in this area.
What is your favorite fair memory and why?
Steben: Since I moved here four months ago, I don’t have any favorite fair memories from the Clallam Fair however I’m excited to make some.
Fritz: When I was showing chickens with Pure Country 4-H, especially when my rooster Sir Percy won Best in Class. I loved being involved and seeing a different side to the fair.
Gauthun: Showing my last steer Willie and being with my friends and family.
What is your favorite fair food?
Fritz: Funnel cake by far. I always look forward to getting one.
Gauthun: The scones
Steben: I don’t remember having any fair food … It will be fun to determine one this coming fair.
What do you want people to know about you?
Gauthun: That I just want to work hard for our community and that I have a good work ethic.
Steben: My willingness to put myself out there and that I want to meet new people and serve the community better. Clallam County Fair is a great way to do it.
Fritz: I want to be more confident and just go out there and represent the community and show anyone can do it.
Random Questions (Girls drew a random question from a bag):
What is your favorite part of your job?
Steben: I go commercial fishing with my dad, Terry, in the summer in Bristol Bay, Alaska. It’s opened a lot of doors for me. I love it. At the end of the season, it’s tiring but I’m still planning to do it from June to mid-July.
What do you want to do or be when you grew up?
Gauthun: When I was a kid, I wanted to to be a chiropractor like my dad David. But I want to be a dermatologist. I’m fascinated with skin and if I can help people, great.
Who is your favorite artist/ writer/ musician?
Fritz: Florida Georgia Line. They were the first country music that stuck with me especially their song “Cruise.”
Reach Matthew Nash at mnash@sequimgazette.com.
