Johnson announced queen of Canal Days Festival

Johnson announced queen of Canal Days Festival

By Beth Scott

COSHOCTON – The Coshocton Canal Days Festival’s queen and princess contest proved to be an evening that featured 10 talented young women and girls who gave an exceptional example of the pride they have in Coshocton County. Six girls vied for the title of princess and four young women competed for the coveted queen title.

Each princess and queen contestant answered a question from emcee Judge Robert Batchelor about what would bring them back to Coshocton if they ever had to leave. The answers varied, but most agreed they would return because of the close-knit community in Coshocton, the variety of activities and events in the county year-round, and the rich history in the county.

The packed audience learned a little about canal-period fashions as well that night as each princess and queen contestant gave a brief history of their costume. They varied as well from a beautiful wedding dress, worn by queen contest Caitlyn Williamson, to a canal-period nightgown, worn by princess contestant Sophia Meiser.

By the end of the evening, the reigning 2014 Coshocton Canal Days princess was announced and Meiser wore the crown.

“I really enjoyed winning princess,” said Meiser who is 11 years old and attends Coshocton Elementary School. “I was getting really nervous when they (the judges) didn’t say my name. I want to go around and tell people about Roscoe and Coshocton and tell them how great it is and that they should come here.”

Meiser’s mother, Amanda, was very proud of her daughter.

“She did wonderfully,” she said. “I’m really proud of her. She’s been planning this for a while and she worked really hard.”

Meiser’s story that she told to explain her outfit was that she and her family was staying at the old Roscoe Hotel, which was why she wore the nightgown, and that she was terrified of the ghost who haunts the halls, Matilda.

When Amy Jo Johnson was announced as the 2014 Coshocton Canal Festival Queen, her mother, Connie, could hardly contain her excitement and emotions.

“This is something her dad and I always did with her together,” she said. “She wasn’t sure she could do it this year, but she finally decided she was going to do it, and I’m just so proud of her.”

Johnson’s father, Mike, recently passed away unexpectantly. The festival was dedicated in his memory this year.

“The best part was giving my speech,” said Johnson, who is 16 years old and attends River View High School. “I worked really hard on it. I plan on promoting all the events we have during the year in Roscoe and Coshocton.”

The 2013 Queen and Princess were also present to present the new reigning princess and queen with their crown and sash.

“It’s so sad,” said Lydia Els, 2013 queen. “It’s so much sadder than I thought it was going to be. I’m glad it’s going to be passed down to somebody who’s going to take very good responsibility representing Coshocton.”

The 2014 Princess First Attendant is Jenna Stonebraker, who is 13 years old and attends Coshocton High School, and second attendant is Shayna Boyer, who is 11 years old and is home schooled. Also competing were Sophia Dotson, who is 10 years old and attends Sacred Heart, Lynsey Stonebraker, who is 12 years old and attends Coshocton High School, and Morgan Woolard, who is 11 years old and attends Keene Elementary.

The 2014 Queen First Attendant is Arieka Galloway, who is 17 years old and attends Ohio Christian University; second attendant is Caitlyn Williamson, who is 18 years old and attends the University of Akron; and third attendant is Madison Woolard, who is 15 years old and attends River View High School.

beth@coshoctoncountybeacon.com

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