Queen selection begins for ‘ 89er Queen

The selection process has begun for the 2013 89er Queen for Guthrie’s 89er Days Celebration.

Candidates will go through an application process and then the Queen Competition where the girls will compete in horsemanship, appearance, and public speaking.  The competition is open to girls 15-22, that would make a good ambassador for Guthrie’s annual celebration. The Queen Competition, scheduled February 23, 2013, will be held at the Fryar Arena at Division and Prairie Grove in Guthrie. Judges will include 2012 89er Queen Heather Luckinbill, 2003 Queen LeeAnna McNally Covington, and 1994 Queen Carrie Dennis Fryar.

The Queen makes numerous TV, radio, and public appearances throughout the week promoting the 89er Celebration, including participating in the parade and all performances of the rodeo.

The ‘89er Celebration commemorates the land run of 1889 which settled the central portion of Oklahoma and resulted in Guthrie being identified as the Territorial Capital.  The Celebration, April 16-20, includes a chuck wagon feast, a huge carnival, over 70 food and craft vendors, old timer baseball game, concerts, a family friendly rodeo and culminates with the largest parade in Oklahoma.

This year there will be a Princess Competition as well, immediately following the Queen Competition. Princess candidates need to be 10 to 14 years of age, have good horsemanship skills, and have an ability to speak in front of small groups of people.

Queens have been a part of Guthrie’s 89er celebration since the 1930’s and have a rich tradition. These ladies gather together once a year on the Saturday of the Celebration to share stories and meet the new ambassador for the Celebration. They also ride together in the parade.

For more information about obtaining an application or how to compete for 89er Queen, contact the 89er Queen Committee Chairman, Carrie Fryar at carrie.fryar@gmail.com. Information is also available on the official 89er Celebration website at  www.89erdays.com.