Can You Say MOOO? Meridian Dairy Days Parade!

This past Friday, I was able to participate in my very first parade as Miss Idaho, the Meridian Dairy Days Parade!!!!! I’ve participated in the Dairy Days Parade for many years; as an FFA member I would pass out milk at the start of the parade, last year I rode in it as Miss Treasure Valley, and one year I even rode my horse in the parade as a 4-H member. As you can probably imagine, I was very excited that it was my first official parade as Miss Idaho!

Carley and I before the parade started-blankets, towels and umbrellas on hand!

Well…..the parade didn’t start out exactly as I had envisioned. For an Idaho June afternoon, which is normally very hot and dry, it was instead fairly cold, nippy, and rainy! Not my idea of the perfect parade weather. Nevertheless, Carley Campbell (MIOT 2009) and I made the best of it with a pink and white golf umbrella my dad had given me that very day. I have to admit, we looked pretty awesome on top of a sweet Silver Corvette with red interior, and a pink umbrella over us to keep us dry! Very stylish indeed! Despite the cold weather, we had a fantastic time, interacting with the crowd, waving to all the adorable little girls, and smiling for pictures. I even received a marriage proposal from a 4 year old boy! J Afterward, I warmed up with a delicious grilled cheese sandwich and some hot chocolate. What an enjoyable experience! Thank you Starmedia Productions for allowing us to be a part of your parade slot!

Carley and I in the sweet Corvette, with some pretty awesome clouds in the back!

Our corvette definitely matched the stormy weather!

Until next time,

Kara J :)

My First Appearance! Miss Gem County 2009

Less than 2 days after I was crowned, I already headed off to my first appearance, Miss Gem County! I met with Amy, Justin, and their two adorable children, Jed and Bretta, and we car pooled with my Mom and Anna to Emmett for the pageant. Once there, I was able to put my stuff back in the dressing room where I was able to meet all of the contestants :) and visit with Sarah, who was going to be giving away her title of Miss Gem County that night. After watching the first half of the pageant, I went to change and help Sarah ask the on-stage questions. From there, I was able to perform my talent, and help with giving out all the awards. Congrats to all the winners, and I’m so excited for the new Miss Gem County 2009, Keili Satchwell! I’m looking forward to seeing her at several events this next year, and she’s going to be phenomenal at Miss Idaho next June!

Me, the 2009 Miss Gem County Contestants, and Miss Gem County 2008-Sarah Downs

After the pageant, I headed for some delicious Emmett cuisine at the Roe Ann Drive-In! (It’s a must if you’re ever in the Emmett area.) It was especially fun to watch Bretta eat her chicken nuggets. Yummy! :)

Overall, it was quite an excellent first appearance, and I’m looking forward to many more this next year!

The Crowning Moment- Becoming Miss Idaho 2009

Elise Davis, Miss Idaho 2008, and me in the Crowning Moment!

It was the end of a memorable week. After two nights of competition, some fun appearances with the other 21 contestants, lots of laughs, and more than six months of preparation, this was it. I was standing on the front of the stage with the six other contestants, and one of us was going to be the next Miss Idaho. I remember beginning to shake when the MCs started to announce the Top 5. 4th runner up…3rd runner up…2nd runner up…1st runner up…and finally, I was announced as Miss Idaho!!! I was so excited, I wanted to cry, scream, smile, jump up and down, but somehow I managed to stand still long enough for Elise (Miss Idaho 2008) to get the crown on my head (after we had a mishap with the direction of the Miss Idaho sash J). I was in absolute disbelief! It was such an incredible moment, and I hope to never forget the way I felt at that point in time for the rest of my life.

The Top 5 (Left to Right)-Ashley Ford (3rd runner up), Amanda Richey (1st runner up), me, Kylie Kofoed (2nd runner up), and Genevieve Nutting (4th Runner up).

Carly Campbell, the newly crowned 2009 Miss Idaho's Outstanding Teen, and me

After getting to hug and congratulate the other amazing girls I had the privilege of competing with, I took a bunch of photos, did a short taping for Miss America (eek!), crowned my adorable Miss Idaho “Little Sister,” Breana, and attended to several other small tasks that required the new Miss Idaho’s attention. I was then whisked away to the Miss Idaho Receptions, where after giving a short impromptu speech, I was able to see all my friends and family that supported me through all the ups and downs of working towards my dream of becoming Miss Idaho. It was so good to hug my directors, laugh with my parents, and even have my brother pick me up (which is a little scary in an evening gown and crown). I was so happy and relieved, and it was definitely the celebration that all of us girls deserved after a long week of hard work!
I still cannot believe I am Miss Idaho 2009. This has been my dream, and I feel so incredibly blessed to spend this next year representing the people of Idaho. I can’t wait to start my preparations for Miss America, and begin promoting my platform, Modern Agriculture-Supporting and Sustaining Society, all across the state. I am excited, overwhelmed, humbled, ecstatic, focused and energized for this next year! Back in 4th grade, I dressed up as Miss America for Halloween, and it is unbelievable that I actually have the chance to make that dress up costume become a reality. All I can say is “Dreams really do come true.”

Elise and me



My 2 brothers, John and Jacob, my sister, Katie, and me at the Miss Idaho Reception