Tubbs chosen as Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival Queen
The weather was beautiful for the first evening of activities for the 2022 Coshocton County Hot Air Balloon Festival. Although the scheduled tethered balloon rides had to be canceled due to winds, several balloons did lift off.
The queen contest was held at the grandstand. Two young ladies vied for the title of queen – Hailey Tubbs and Cassadee Woodward-Wells. They were each judged on a speech, private interview and a question they were asked on stage. After the contest, Tubbs was chosen as the 2022 Balloon Festival Queen.
“I just really love going around the community. I remember being little and seeing girls in their pretty dresses and I thought this would be a great opportunity to inspire other girls. I want to be a good role model and influence them to do good things in their community,” said Tubbs.
“This is the first time I’ve tried anything like this. I was very nervous, but I conquered my fear and I’m really glad I tried.”
Tubbs said the hardest part of getting ready for the contest was preparing her speech. “It was timed, and Mom and I kept practicing it and timing it until it was right.” The speech needed to be about her and her school and community activities. She is a senior at Coshocton High School.
When asked how she would describe the balloon festival to others, she said, “I would tell them it’s a fun, free event. That there are many activities, great food, fireworks and it’s a really great family activity.”
Woodward-Wells just graduated. She was homeschooled and graduated through River View. “I thought this would be a great experience to represent Coshocton County. I’m not sure that I’ve learned from the experience, but I do know I’m still not good at public speaking.”
She said she was very nervous about the contest. “It was hard to prepare to walk on the stage and talk to people.” She wants to be a photo journalist. “I would tell everyone that this is a family friendly experience and a great way to create memories.”
The children’s rides and many food stands were popular stops for families who were waiting for the balloons to lift off.
Category: People & Places
