Mrs. Maine Corporate America 2012 Continues Busy Appearance Schedule...

Maine Potato Blossom Parade, Northern Maine Fair Week and Riding a Horse, Oh My!

(July/Aug 2012)--Summer traditions continue throughout Aroostook County including Potato Blossom Week culminating with the annual Potato Blossom Parade. And this year, Mrs. Maine Corporate America 2012/Mrs. Aroostook County 2012 Shawn Cunningham had the exciting opportunity to ride in the parade with her Aroostook County sister queens in regal style.

There were more than 90 floats in the parade. It is historically one of the biggest and longest running parades in the state of Maine. I've often covered the parade for the tv station, but being IN IT this year, offered the opportunity of a different outlook. My sister Angela, my niece Kaydence, Gina and my friend Melanie all came with AJ to support me.

Wow, I'm BLESSED with great family and friends. But none above THE BEST husband in the world. He braved a hot day at a parade and pageants to support me. He's a keeper ladies, and he's all MINE! One thing didn't change, the HEAT! It was hot out there. But I shared some shade, water and sunscreen with my sister queens including Kelsie Wilson who's excitedly preparing for her Miss Maine Collegiate America state pageant. Bring the crown back to the county Kelsie, you can do it. She's an OUTSTANDING young woman I've gotten to know and love while seeing at pageants throughout the county. She's a former Miss Fort Fairfield Potato Blossom queen and now she's Miss Aroostook County. Her platform is promoting education and tolerance against antibullying in schools. She's an intelligent, talented, well spoken and well rounded young woman who's a credit to the county and this state. She'll make an incredible Miss Maine Collegiate America following in the footsteps of my sister queen Brittany Bearden, the reigning Miss Maine Collegiate America. 

The following week, (this current week actually wraps up Northern Maine Fair Week.) As I write this, THIS IS THE LAST DAY of the fair. And as years' past, its been an incredible experience. These last two years though, have been so remarkable for AJ and I as a couple because he joined the Fair Board. And through that rare and humbled opportunity, we as a couple have come to understand and appreciate even more the hard work and strong sense of community that makes this fair run like a well oiled machine EVERY YEAR. To the hundreds of volunteers, I say thank you for all you do. This is one of the most spectacular events in Maine and gets some recognition, but they certainly deservedly should get more. 
Everything from rides, Lil Farmers at the Fair kids exhibition

check out my story about Lil Farmers at the Fair.

http://wagmtv.com/news/lil-farmers-kids-day-at-northern-maine-fair

to the 4H club and animal programs, entertainment, harness racing, food, everything brings this community together. This is an event the whole family can enjoy, and in these days and times we need to nurture experiences like that because they're few and far between. 

And speaking of 4H, BIG THANKS to the Andrea and Meagan and the rest of the Aroostook Valley 4H Club for letting me do the story of their animals and training...AND letting me take a horse ride. I had a lot of fun. I looked like quite the equestrian.LOL.



A CLOSE-UP View, Ralph Lauren, et your heart out!

 Here's a link to the story:http://wagmtv.com/news/4h-baby-beef-and-animals-program

Now onto last night, where I had a great time last night helping to co-host the Miss Northern Maine Fair Pageant. Congrats to Carrie Winslow and her pageant team for putting on a GREAT event with seventeen contestants. These young ladies were amazing. And congrats to all the winners especially Emily Brawn who took home the Miss top honors. After many tries throughout the county in several pageants and always coming close, Emily finally got her time to shine in the spot light last night. It goes to show what happens when you never give up, always believe in yourself and work hard toward a dream. Kudos Emily.  

 

I love this time of year, but it also makes me a little sad. The end of fair week is a reminder that fall is in the not too distant future and behind that comes another winter. Summer comes so slow and goes so fast. You have to treasure each moment until it comes again next year. And I haven't been to Portage yet this summer...got to put that on my to do list. Hmmm, maybe that'll be my next entry! Don't forget to check out my official facebook page for more updates and pictures.

Here's the link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shawn-Cunningham-for-Mrs-Corporate-America/266720333396374?ref=hl