Tiaras and evening gowns, gourds and green beans, Democrats and
Republicans, cows and other creatures, lots of spinning rides and an
aroma of funnel cake and grazing hay were all on display as the Iredell
County Agricultural Fair opened to sparse crowd a on a
rain-soaked Monday night in Troutman.
The ribbon-cutting was moved inside because the day-long showers were still falling at the 7 p.m. start time.
But things were already happening at the fair by then.
Kayla Reavis and Amber Welch were sitting side-by-side, being friendly, prior to their showdown in the first ever Iredell County Agricultural Fair Queen Pageant.
Reavis, a senior at West Iredell High School, said she entered the event because she enjoys looking pretty.
“I like getting dressed up,” said Reavis, who would later be crowned the winner of her division. “And I also like the adrenaline of going out in front of people.”
Mooresville’s Debbie Miller, who earlier this year won the Mrs. North Carolina contest, was also on hand, giving some advice to those who sought it.
Miller, 45, said she does not like the bad rap beauty pageants have gotten in some circles.
“I
like to dispel the notion that they are just superficial things based
entirely on people's looks,” she said. “I like to think of them as
opportunities for women to give greater voice to their causes and their
beliefs.”
Miller said she uses her position to promote awareness of heart disease in women.
“It’s the number one killer,” she said. “More than breast cancer or any other disease.”
On the other side of the arena wall, Elissa Houchins, 14, was working on a beautification process of another sort.
Under the guidance of her mother, Allison Houchins, young Elissa
was taking a set of industrial-sized clippers and putting the finishing
touches on View-La Alexander-7, a 2-year-old cow who goes by “Seven”
around the Mountain View Farm where she lives.
“That was me 40 years ago,” said Allison as Elissa explained that Seven has the chance to win because of her table-like qualities.
“You
don’t want the legs or feet to go too far in or too far out,” she said.
“You want them to be right underneath, like a table.”
Added Allision, “If a cow doesn’t have good, strong feet and legs she won’t be able to support herself right and it’s the dog-food factory for her. I know that sound cruel, but dairy farming is a business.”
Indeed, it’s Iredell County’s primary business. And Iredell is the top dairy farming county in North Carolina.
Fairs themselves are the business of Bill Clark.
And Clark, owner of the Smokey Mountains Amusement, Inc. – the supplier of the fair’s rides, games and food-stands – didn’t like what he saw in the night sky or the week’s weather forecast.
“We need this one bad,” Clark
said. “We’ve had a tough year and we were hoping for some big crowds
this week. We haven’t had the best weather but it’s been mostly the
economy. Money is tight everywhere but I’m hoping people will come out
and have some fun this week.”
Gates for the Iredell County Agricultural Fair open nightly at 5 p.m. The fair runs through Saturday.
Meet Mrs. North Carolina 2011, Debbie Miller 
CLICK HERE to learn about our 2011 Mrs. NC Pageant
Photos by Jeanna Beasley Photography
Photos by Terra Bailey Photography
married 18 years to her husband Shannon. They have three boys, Jordan, Dylan, and Chase.
Debbie is the office manager for Lake Norman Dredging, the Company she and her husband own.
In addition to keeping busy in her present job, Debbie is an avid runner and even took
first place in her age group in her first 5k! Debbie obtained her personal trainer's certification
through the American Council on Exercise, as well as her NC Real Estate Broker's license several years ago.
Debbie is originally from Augusta, GA and attended Georgia Southern College with a major in Nursing.
Debbie enjoyed dancing, singing, and piano growing up and competed in pageants as well.
She won several titles, Miss Georgia Fair, Miss WYKZ, and Miss Hawaiian Tropic among them.
Debbie modeled, appearing in ads for Dixie Crystals Sugar, Ocean Pacific Suntan Products, and
National Smokeout Week. She appeared in postcards promoting Hilton Head Island and other publications.
After spending her twenties and thirties raising children, Debbie decided to re-enter the pageant world
through the Mrs North Carolina Pageant to help promote her platform of Go Red for Women.
Go Red is an affiliation of the American Heart Association that helps promote
awareness, education, and prevention of heart disease in women.
Both of Debbie's parents have heart disease. Her mother had bypass surgery several years ago,
her father has had quadruple bypass surgery, and Christmas of 2010 suffered a heart attack.
He survived after being in ICU for two weeks, and both parents are doing well after being
consistent with living a healthy lifestyle. Being Mrs. North Carolina has afforded Debbie so many
wonderful opportunities, and bringing attention to Go Red and helping women become aware of
their risks of heart disease has been so rewarding.
Debbie has enjoyed making very exciting appearances as Mrs North Carolina, among them the
Governor's Conference for Women as an Ambassador for Go Red for Women,
visits to several of the area's children's hospitals, Make-A-Wish Foundation's Walk for Wishes,
and events for Juvenile Diabetes. Debbie has had an amazing time giving back,
and has many wonderful upcoming events. Debbie is a firm believer that we all have gifts and talents,
and everyone can use those things unique to them to inspire others!
News about Debbie:
Mountain Times-
Mrs. North Carolina to judge Winterfest Pageant...
Article Published: Jan. 12 | Modified: Jan. 12
The Little Miss, Little Master and Teen Winterfest Pageant just got a little more serious last week when pageant veteran and reigning Mrs. North Carolina US Debbie Miller agreed to be one of the competition’s judges.
Miller, from Mooresville, won the Mrs. North Carolina Crown last June in the statewide pageant held at Newton-Conover Auditorium.
The Winterfest Pageant will be held at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium on Saturday, Jan. 21, and applications for contestants are being taken now.
A true pageant veteran, Miller has won a number of prestigious titles over the years, including Miss Georgia Fair, Miss WYKZ and Miss Hawaiian Tropic, among others. As a model, she has appeared in ads for Dixie Crystals sugar, Ocean Pacific Suntan Products and National Smokeout Week. She has also appeared on postcards promoting Hilton Head Island and in several publications.
Originally from Augusta, Ga., Miller attended Georgia Southern College with a major in nursing. She lives in Mooresville with her husband, Shannon, and three boys, Jordan, Dylan and Chase.
Currently, she works as the office manager for Lake Norman Dredging, the company she owns with her husband. She is also a certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise and a licensed North Carolina real estate broker.
Miller took a break from the pageant circuit in her 20s and 30s to raise her children. Last year, she decided to re-enter the pageant world through the Mrs. North Carolina Pageant as a vehicle to help promote Go Red For Women. Go Red is affiliated with the American Heart Association and helps promote awareness, education and prevention of heart disease in women.
Both of her parents have heart disease, with her mother having had bypass surgery several years ago and her father having had quadruple bypass surgery. Both parents are doing well after adopting a more healthy lifestyle.
As the reigning Mrs. North Carolina, Miller has attended the Governor’s Conference for Women as an ambassador for Go Red for Women, the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Walk for Wishes, and events for Juvenille Diabetes.
Applications for the Little Miss, Little Master and Teen Winterfest Pageants are available at the Blowing Rock Chamber of Commerce, United Community Bank in Blowing Rock, Blowing Rock Elementary School and online at http://www.blowingrockwinterfest.com .
Mooresville Tribune-
Mrs. NC United States- She's a wife, mother...and a pageant veteran
By Karen Kistler
A long with being a wife and mother, Mooresville's Debbie Miller has another title - Mrs. North Carolina United States.
Miller won the pageant on June 4, out of 20 of NC's best married ladies at the Newton-Conover Auditorium. The pageant, directed by Marietta Burke, featured competition in the categories of swimsuit, evening gown, and interview. Contestants also had to answer an onstage question pertaining to their platforms and interests. In addition to the overall title, Miller captured the swimsuit category. Following that event, she advanced to the Mrs. US Pageant Aug. 3-4 in Las Vegas. There she competed with 53 other women, but was not a finalist. "It was a really great experience," Miller "The accomplishments of the women in the pageant were inspiring," ranging from authors to doctors and pharmacists. "They were super nice. I just can't express that enough. There was no ugliness behind the scenes." Miller and her husband, Shannon, have three sons, Jordan, 21, of Wilmington, Dylan, 16, a student at Lake Norman High School and Chase, 11, a student a Lakeshore Middle School.
Originally from Augusta, GA, she moved to Hilton Head Island, and met Shannon at a community college. They moved to this area in 1992, a return for Shannon, who was from the Troutman area originally. His father started Lake Norman Dredging and when he retired, Shannon took over the family business, and Debbie does accounting work for the company. Very active in sports, their sons play football and her husband coaches middle school football.
Her desire to participate in pageants began with her mother, who "had done so much competing, there was a house of trophies." Then at the age of 16, Miller competed in her first pageant at the Augusta, GA. Exchange Club Fair, earning the title of Miss Augusta Exchange Club Fair. She returned to the same pageant this month to participate as a judge.
At age 25 she competed in the Miss Hawaiian Tropic Pageant, her final one before taking time off to raise her children. Miller said she first learned about the Mrs. North Carolina Pageant US while in her 20s, but she just wasn't ready for it at that time. As the boys grew older and became more independent, she realized that "now this is something I can do for me."Many times, she said, "We as moms tend to put ourselves on the back burner." She stressed the need to stay fit is not just to look good, but it is healthy. It's okay to stay physically active, she said, and she is motivated to do just that. During her reign as Mrs. North Carolina US, Miller is promoting heart health. Her platform during the competition was Go Red for Women, which helps to educate women about heart disease and how to stay fit and healthy to help prevent heart attacks, which is the number one killer for women. This cause is near and dear to Miller because both parents have suffered from heart disease. Her mom has had bypass surgery, and her dad suffered from a heart attack last Christmas. Because genetics plays a role in heart disease, Miller said, "I have to be careful of that and spread the word. Pageants create a higher visibility and helps get the message across. It gives you the microphone," said noted. Her calendar has already been packed with various community service projects promoting heart health, and her time as Mrs. North Carolina will be filled with many more opportunities to get the word out not only about heart disease and prevention but to bring awareness to many other causes.
Just a few of of these events include a Go Red for Women golf tournament, heart walk for the Heart Association, the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure, a Walk to benefit Juvenile Diabetes, the third annual Queen City Shootout Poker Tournament, Make A Wish's Walk for Wishes, and attending the North Carolina Governor's Conference.
Serving as a judge for the Miss South Iredell Pageant, she was privileged to meet the young ladies and was very impressed with each and how they are top students as well as being involved in their community. "Very impressive," she said. "It (the Pageant) is not just about the outside." It's important for them to use their win to be an example, a role model, she continued. Miller noted that things today are much harder than when she was growing up and the importance of having positive role models for the youth to look up to. Miller has visited with some children in the hospital and spent time with them and took gifts. "As a parent, just seeing their courage is inspiring, seeing them keep going." And then you see our complaints she shared. "It puts it all in perspective." A visit to Capitol Hill with Go Red for Women to lobby for more emphasis on physical education is also on her agenda.
Being involved with pageants has afforded her the chance to be involved in the community. "I've met so many interesting people," Miller shared. If pageantry is used as a stepping stone for other opportunities, giving back to the community it's a very positive thing."
Miller said that her experience participating in pageants has been a positive one. "Many have a misconception of what it's about with stage moms and tots. I haven't run across much cattiness. It's been a fun experience, a stepping stone to something better."
For more information about the pageant see www.MrsNCUS.com. Debbie's prize package was valued at $93,500 and contestants received gift bags worth over $2,000 each. Their next pageant will be June 2, 2012 held at the Newton-Conover Auditorium in Newton, NC. They are now accepting 2012 Contestant applications. To apply contact director, Marietta Burke, at director@mrsncus.com or (704) 325-5307.
Statesville Record & Landmark
9/11 anniversary events planned for today
The second annual Troutman Ride and Stride for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will take place on Sept. 11 at Troutman Middle School.
The event is presented by Iredell Health Systems and hosted by Watermark Church. It will feature a 50-mile bike ride, beginning at 9 a.m.; a 25-mile bike ride, starting at 10 a.m.; and 5K and 1-mile fun run/walks, beginning at 1 p.m. Outback Steakhouse is providing a meal for all participants at the event.
Cost of registration is a $25 donation to the Ride and Stride for JDRF and participants are encouraged to solicit sponsorships for their ride or stride. Register at www.rideandstride.com. The 5K event has been named the Jeffrey Settle 5K in memory of Jeff Settle, who was killed in a wreck on Aug. 4. who finished first in the non-official race last year.
There will be a flag presentation at 1 p.m. to honor those in emergency services. Church officials are also inviting all local emergency services personnel to come by to be honored. A live band will be playing from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Reigning Mrs. North Carolina - Debbie Miller will be on site. All proceeds go to JDRF
http://www2.statesville.com/news/2011/sep/11/2/events-planned-911-anniversary-ar-1357922/
Charlotte Observer-
Pageant beauty, more than just skin deep
Crowns make efforts for good causes more visible
By Russell Ledbetter
Some people like to make fun of Katie Knowles, calling her a "prissy beauty queen," she said, but the Mooresville native - and reigning 2011 Carolina Dogwood Queen - only smiles, laughing all the way to the bank. Knowles, 17, pocketed $1,250 in scholarship money while wearing the 2010 Miss Mooresville High School crown. She anticipates earning yet another $1,000 toward her tuition at Appalachian State University after serving as visiting royalty Sept. 5 at the first-ever Iredell County Agricultural Fair Queen Pageant.
The inaugural fair pageant was organized by board members of the Carolina Dogwood Festival Pageant, who approached the Iredell Fair about putting on the event. There are some really great scholarship opportunities out there for girls, if they're interested, and not so worried about what other people might think of you," said Knowles.
It takes flying in the face of perception, being able to forget about stereotypes often attached to pageants, and not merely being "a Barbie doll," she said.
It's not just wearing the crown on your head. It's being given the opportunity to do some good for your community," said Knowles.
A similar philanthropic vision informs the reign of Mooresville's Debbie Miller, 45, Mrs. North Carolina 2011. She is an outspoken advocate for "Go Red For Women."
"Go Red" is a national campaign sounding the alarm that heart disease is the No. 1 killer among women, causing more deaths than even breast cancer. Miller's parents suffer from heart disease. Her father had a heart attack only last Christmas, and each of her parents has undergone open-heart surgery."I've had some close friends who couldn't understand," Miller said. "They think it's superficial." Fundraising is her goal."Of course you can do these things without participating in a pageant," she said. "(The pageant) just brings a higher visibility to the cause."
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/10/05/2652454/pageant-beauty-more-than-just.html
Statesville Record & Landmark
By:
Huntersville Herald-
Mooresville woman wins Mrs. North Carolina crown
by Justin Vick
Huntersville, Davidson women in the top-12
(From left) Michele Duncan, Candice Farnie, Autumn-Skye Boothe, Debbie Miller, Amanda Lee Furr, Lindsay Merritt and Catherine Bersch. Courtesy of the Mrs. North Carolina United States Pageant
Two weeks before her 45th birthday, Mooresville resident Debbie Miller won the Mrs. North Carolina United States Pageant in Newton. Amanda Lee Furr, of Charlotte, finished 1st Runner Up, Autumn-Skye Boothe, of Davidson, finished as second runner-up, Lindsay Merritt, of Charlotte, finished 3rd Runner Up, Candace Farnie, of Huntersville, finished as fourth runner-up, Catherine Bersch, of Cumberland County, finished fifth Runner Up, and Michele Duncan, of Ballantyne, finished sixth runner up in the pageant of 20 of NC's best married ladies.
While competing against married women in their early 20s seemed daunting to Miller, she not only captured the crown but also wound up winning the swimsuit portion of the competition.
“It was a really neat achievement for my age,” Miller said. “You can stay in shape. It doesn’t matter what age.”
Miller, whose look is often compared to ESPN reporter Erin Andrews or country singer Carrie Underwood, competed in pageants when she was younger. She took time off during her 20s and 30s to raise a family. With her sons older, she thought the timing was right to get back into the pageant world.
“I think people have in their minds the concept of a beauty pageant being a superficial thing,” Miller said. “It’s an opportunity to have your voice heard and gives you a microphone to get across points and interests. It encourages women to go forward and achieve their goals.”
In the Mrs. North Carolina United States Pageant, the interview accounts for 50 percent of the score, followed by 25 percent for the swimsuit, 25 percent for the evening gown and 10 percent for the onstage question portions.
“There is almost a sweet light that shines from her,” said Marietta Burke, director of the Mrs. North Carolina United States Pageant. “Her interactions are very warm and honest.”
Miller has already made her first appearance as Mrs. North Carolina United States at the Heart Smarts Family Fun Event in Charlotte. Proceeds from the June 11 event went toward Miller’s platform, Go Red For Women, which advocates the prevention of heart disease in women.
Both her parents have had bypass surgeries. Her father had a heart attack over the holidays.
“With heart disease being so genetic and the number one killer in women, bar none, I need to be concerned with and get the message out to women to be up on your facts,” Miller said.
Miller has lived in Mooresville since 1992. She and her husband, Shannon, own and operate Lake Norman Dredging and have three sons: Jordan, 21; Dylan, 16; and Chase, 11.
Pageantry is very foreign to her husband and three boys, Miller said, but they have been very supportive and are excited about the trip to Las Vegas, where she will compete July 31 to Aug. 5 in the Mrs. United States Pageant.
2012 pageant seeks contestants
The Mrs. North Carolina United States Pageant is looking for women to compete in next year’s event, scheduled for June 2, 2012, in Newton.
In her third year as pageant director, Marietta Burke said she strives to ensure the pageant lives up to its billing – “the premiere pageant for married women.”
Contestants received prizes and the day before the pageant, the women
went on a spa day to relax, followed by a semi-formal dinner for them
and their husbands.
Contestant gift bags totaled over $2,000 each and Debbie received over $93,500 in prizes!
Details: www.mrsnorthcarolinaunitedstates.com.