Canal royalty crowned
Savannah Langdon
COSHOCTON – There is new royalty in Coshocton.
Savannah Langdon was all smiles after being crowned the 2013 Canal Festival Junior Queen.
“I can’t believe I won and got this big trophy,” she said. “I love my sash and my trophy.”
Savannah’s mother Kendra Langdon was glad she entered her daughter in the contest, which was held Aug. 8, at the court square gazebo and kicked off the Coshocton Canal Festival.
“She always seemed interested in doing this and liked watching the parades,” Kendra said. “I’m excited for her.
Savannah’s attendants are Kaelynn Robinson and Kyra Weaver.
“I’m excited that I get to go to festivals and represent Coshocton,” said Robinson, who is the first attendant.
Weaver, who is the second attendant, was looking forward to being part of the Coshocton Canal Festival parade.
“I’m really excited for the parade because you get to ride in it and wave,” she said.
Langdon, Robinson and Weaver received their crowns after answering questions about school, their families and hobbies in front of three judges and talking a little bit about their costumes and any props they brought with them.
During the princess and queen contests, the candidates shared what they loved about Coshocton, described their dresses and answered a surprise question.
Lydia Els and Megan Stonebraker
When they were all done sharing their thoughts and stories, the judges selected Megan Stonebraker as the 2013 Canal Days Princess and Lydia Els as the 2013 Canal Days Queen.
Stonebraker was ecstatic to be wearing the crown.
“I can’t believe I got it,” she said. “This is my last year for princess and all my hard work paid off.”
Stonebraker’s first attendant is her sister Jenna Stonebraker and the second attendant is Sophia Meiser.
“I’m excited for them,” said Amy Stonebraker, the mother of Megan and Jenna. “It’s a replay of last year, except they all moved up a notch.”
Amy’s daughter Lynsey Stonebraker also competed in the princess competition.
“They all think this is fun to do and it gives them something to do in the summer that teaches them about history,” Amy said.
Megan’s attendants couldn’t be happier to be standing beside her.
“This is pretty awesome,” Meiser said. “I’m glad to be on court.”
Jenna is looking forward to traveling with her sister.
“I’m really excited to travel Ohio, to go to other festivals and see new places,” she said.
While the girls took pictures and celebrated their new titles, Lynn Els, Lydia’s mother beamed with excitement.
“All of my girls have been involved in the contests over the years, but this is a triple crown for Lydia,” Lynn said. “She’s been a junior queen, a princess and now the queen.”
Lynn feels competing in the Canal Festival contests has greatly helped her daughters.
“It helps with poise, public speaking and confidence,” she said. “It’s also so much fun to travel all over Ohio.”
Lydia was in shock after receiving the crown.
“Everyone was so good this year,” she said.
Lydia served as a queen’s attendant last year and said she worked really hard on her speech to help her move on to a new title.
“I wanted to have fun with my speech,” she said. “I really worked on putting feeling and emotion into it.”
Lydia’s first attendant is Arieka Galloway and her second attendant is Caitlyn Williamson.
“I feel great,” said Galloway, who also served on last year’s court. “My goal was to get back on court because I love going to the festivals and representing Coshocton, the town I grew up in.”
Williamson also was pretty excited to be wearing her sash and crown.
“This was my first year competing,” she said. “I’m extremely happy and can’t stop smiling.”
Shirley Fitch
Rounding out the 2013 court is Senior Queen Shirley Fitch. She was nominated for the honor because of her dedication to volunteering time and helping her husband with the Boy Scouts.
“I’m very surprised because I was at camp all week,” Fitch said. “I like doing this because we get to see the boys grow. It’s very rewarding.”
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: People & Places
