Donaker crowned festival queen
COSHOCTON – The 2019 Coshocton County Balloon Festival held its fifth annual queen’s contest on Thursday, June 6 in the grandstands at the Coshocton County Fairgrounds. Two girls vied for the queen’s title, Kellyn Donaker and Lydia Dawson. The two were briefly interviewed on the main stage by Dr. Vicki Maple.
Dawson was interviewed first and was asked if she could meet anyone in history, who would it be? She answered that she would like to meet President Abraham Lincoln. Donaker was asked if she could give any advice to her younger self, what it would be to which she answered to always push to be the best person you can be.
The judges for the contest were Sher Alloway, Brianna Conkle, and Autumn Kessler. As the judges were deliberating, Hall gave her farewell speech.
“You are all queens,” said Hall to the contestants. “The crown is just a bonus.”
After Hall’s speech, Donaker was crowned queen.
“We’re just really proud of her,” said Janette Donaker, Kellyn’s mom. “She has come a long way. She’s a very caring person and she’s going into the nursing program this fall.”
Hall relinquished her crown and title to Kellyn and said she wishes her the best.
“It’s kind of a happy moment but also a depressing moment,” said Hall. “If I could give her any advice, it would be to take in every little smile and every little wave because it fills your heart with so much joy. Take in every moment because it passes so quickly.”
Kellyn said she was surprised when they announced her as queen.
“I was so excited,” said Kellyn. “I didn’t know what to think. There was so much going on with just going through the interviews and everything. I’m so excited and I’m going to try my absolute best to show everyone what a great community we live in.”
Kellyn said she would like to thank her parents for their support.
“My parents pushed me to do my best,” said Kellyn. “They always pushed me in school so that I did my absolute best that I could.”
Janette has some advice for her daughter as she travels to different festivals throughout Ohio.
“Have fun and meet as many people as you can,” said Janette. “Really promote Coshocton because we have a lot of awesome things in our community.”
Category: Multimedia, People & Places, Photo Galleries
