Lynelle Miller
lynelle.miller@heraldbulletin.com
Lisa Rinker was the Madison County 4-H Fair Queen in 1977. Patty Riggs was the queen in 1970.
Both Rinker and Riggs have gone from competing to coordinating.
Since 1985, these two women have taken on the task of organizing this event — which is no small feat.
“I actually took over in 1983,” said Rinker, Alexandria. “I was on the committee since 1981 and (in 1983) something came up and I was kind of thrown into being coordinator.”
Being a 10-year 4-H member, volunteer and part of the 4-H association before, Rinker was no stranger to 4-H and the amount of work it takes to coordinate such an event, but she needed help.
“The pageant is a huge activity with lots of responsibilities,” said Rinker. “That’s why I asked Patty to help me soon after I took over.”
So for the past 22 years, these ladies have become a well-oiled machine.
“We love the girls,” said Riggs, Anderson, who was also a 10-year 4-H member, volunteer and part of the 4-H association. “We love to help them prepare for the contest.”
Not only do they hold workshops for the girls that help them with everything from formal wear to posture and professional wear and makeup, but both Rinker and Riggs make themselves available during their free time as well.
“We will have girls come to our houses,” said Riggs. “We really make ourselves available. We want to see them do well.”
According to several of the contestants, both Rinker and Riggs are completely honest when it comes to critiquing them.
“Both are really nice and really honest,” said Jessie Irwin, 18, Pendleton, who is entering her third year in the contest. “They say what they really think of our outfits. Their critiques have helped me improve.”
Sarah Ruffer, 18, Pendleton, who is also entering her third year in the contest, agreed.
“They’re great help,” said Sarah. “They let us know exactly what to expect and how to get through it. They make sure our makeup matches our outfits and everything we are doing is correct. They’re extremely nice.”
“They are strong leaders,” said Irwin.
Both Riggs and Rinker said that the contest is in their blood and have no plans of stepping down as coordinators any time soon.
“We don’t really hang out outside of this, but we’ve come to know each other so well that we have really become close,” said Rinker.
“We’ve never had any problems either,” said Riggs. “We know what needs to get done and it does.”
According to the women, running the queen contest is a huge responsibility. “It’s not just working with the girls,” said Rinker.
Along with coaching the girls, holding workshops, rehearsals and organizing the contest, both Riggs and Rinker have to pick up trophies, put together the program, get sponsorships for non-finalist and finalist winners as well as keep up their day jobs.
“I’m a dental hygienist,” said Rinker.
Riggs is a para-educator within the Anderson Community School Corp. who may be off for the summer, but is on the 4-H association as well as queen contest coordinator.
“It’s a lot of work,” said Riggs. “Sometimes I wonder how we get it all done.”
According to Rinker, all the time and energy is worth it to see the girls grow and improve during the contest.
“We work some of the same girls for years,” said Rinker. “They learn interview skills, how to carry themselves and stage presence that is so good for them in their future. It’s not just about being queen, they receive so many great skills from participating. It’s a great experience.”
Overall, though, both women said they do it because it’s fun.
“We really enjoy this,” said Rinker. “It’s great getting to know the girls so well.”
