Royalty returns with crowning ceremony

WORLAND -For the first time since 2005 the Washakie County Fair has royalty reigning over the week with the official crowning Monday night of Fair Queen Aubrie Carlisle and Junior Princess Lacee Greet.

Organizer Beth Stiver said, "You would see Miss Rodeo Wyoming and other county fairs and see their different representation (around the state) and I was disheartened not to see Washakie County representation."

She said she spoke to Jeff Lapp one night about bringing the royalty back and he asked if she would be interesting in helping. She was then paired with board member Sherry Walter to organize the 2022 Washakie County Fair Royalty contest.

Stiver said when they got the go ahead it was late spring and there was a quick turnaround to get everything in place for this year's royalty.

She said they hope to get proper communication about what the program entails and the first step was Monday's crowning ceremony.

During Monday's ceremony Stiver said the Washakie County Fair Royalty "strives to further promote the county fair, 4-H, FFA, agriculture and the western way of life. The program is designed to engage, develop and promote ambassadorship in a positive and professional manner representing Washakie County Fair."

There are three age groups for the royalty from ages 5 to 19 with a junior princess, princess and queen. This year, with the program just getting started they have the junior princess and queen.

"With Aubrie and Lacee we are fortunate to have two very kind and easy-going girls. This is a learning year for us and they always have smiles and are always willing to step in," Stiver said in an interview.

She said she has been having multiple conversations with Carlisle and getting feedback about what will work and won't work in the program, what is realistic and not realistic.

Members of the royalty must be residents of Washakie County and be able to attend the county fair events and then "one of the most important things is to uphold the moral and ethical behavior that we set forth in our application package. And then we also ask that they participate in other community events, because it's not just about Washakie County Fair but about Washakie County as well and the great community we live."

Queen Aubrie Carlisle is the 16-year-old daughter of Ben and Mindy Carlisle. She is headed into her junior year at Worland High School and plays on the varsity softball team. She won two awards last year for her artwork and is a member of the Roadrunners 4-H Club and participates in archery, horsemanship, visual arts and leathercraft. She spends time with her dogs and her colt. She also works with her dad to restore her 1986 Toyota pickup.

Carlisle said, "I know this is our first year doing this but I am very pleased with how the beginning of our turnout is. As royalty we represent the rodeo community, youth, 4-H and FFA."

She added, "I have had the wonderful pleasure of working with Lacee. I have met new people and new queens from across the state. It's been a real pleasure to be with a whole bunch of different girls. It's a wonderful community to be in."

For next year's participants, she said "Don't be shy. I was really afraid of doing this and being in this program. It is wonderful and there is nothing to be afraid of."

She said she was also pleased and honored to represent Washakie County.

Junior Princess Lacee Greet is the 8-year-old daughter of Daniel and Tess Greet and a student at Ten Sleep Elementary.

Stiver said Greet is a member of Girl Scouts of America, participates in peewee showmanship and is making plans for her sheep next year. She plans to be a rancher when she grows up.

Greet is know for her "kindness and willingness to help all those around her."

When she was asked on the application what makes here unique she said it was because she has "really long hair and gets along with most animals."

In answering questions on stage during the ceremony, Greet said her favorite animal is a dog because they help her family work cows and they're cute.

Her favorite part of fair week is meeting new people and having new friends.

Her advice to people working with animals is to be kind and talk to them so the animals know that they are there.