INDIANAPOLIS - Erika Elaine Burghardt of Tippecanoe County topped 87 other contestants to earn the title of Miss Indiana State Fair during today's final day of the queen pageant in the Pepsi Coliseum. The Mulberry native is the third Tippecanoe County Queen to win the State Fair title and the first since 1996.
"I couldn't believe it. I'm speechless and there really are no words other than I am honored," Burghardt said. "I can't thank everyone enough for this opportunity."
Burghardt, 20, will be a sophomore at Indiana University where she is double majoring in psychology and studio arts. She hopes to become an art therapist, but she'll spend next summer travelling the state representing the State Fair at various county fairs and other events.
"I know it will be fun, from talking with other queens. I will make memories that will last a lifetime," she said.
Burghardt succeeds Sara Lynn Alford of Wells County. Here are the results of the Top 10 finalists:
The Queen's Court:
- 1st Runner-up - Emily Mishler, Elkhart County
- 2nd Runner-up - Fayeann Hurley, Jackson County
- 3rd Runner-up - Margaret Gudas, Pulaski County
- 4th Runner-up - Abigail Emmert, Boone County
Other finalists, in no particular order:
· Sydney Lee, Tipton County
· Caitlyn Byrd, Harrison County
· Phoebe Davis, Hamilton County
· Mary Stivers, Scott County
· Patricia Musall, Vermillion County
Miss Congeniality: Patricia Musall, Vermillion County
For video of Erika's reaction to her crowning, please visit http://bit.ly/pXtlZ6.
About Indiana State Fair
The Indiana State Fair is the state's largest multi-day event attracting more than 900,000 people annually. Nationally recognized for offering the best in entertainment, showcasing youth, interactive agriculture education programs, premiere facilities and a variety of unique, fun foods, the Indiana State Fair has been an annual tradition for generations of Hoosiers since 1852. Admission is $7 in advance, $8 at the gate - kids 5 and younger are free. For more information, please visit http://www.indianastatefair.com/.
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