Unexpected finish at Fairest of the Fair

When her name was called out as one of the top four in Bedford County's Fairest of the Fair competition's last month, Deana Garrett was shocked. Truth is, this fast-pitch high school softball star doesn't even consider herself the "pageant" type.

"I don't like to be in the spotlight," said Garrett, 19, a 2009 graduate of Shelbyville Central High School who said she didn't even decide to enter the pageant until just a few weeks before it took place.

"I was more shocked when I got called back for the top four than when I won. I didn't expect that ... I was really nervous. Before I went out on stage I had said to myself, 'Why have I gotten myself into this?'"

Winning persona

Ironically, Garrett's laid back yet confident persona is what earned her the top prize in the pageant that now has her headed to the state competition in January. By winning, she also earned a $500 scholarship to be used toward her continuing education.

"Deana is very graceful, confident and she carries herself well," said Jerri Lynn Smith, pageant coordinator. "She didn't appear to be nervous. She acted like she'd been doing it forever ... Judges pick a winner who will represent our county well at the state level. They need to have confidence."

Deana had dabbled in pageants as a young girl and once when she was 14, but after that she focused more on sports and academics.

'Intense' event

The Fairest of the Fair competition kicks off the Bedford County Fair each year and has a pretty hearty following of young ladies representing the county and their fans who fill the audience.

"It's intense," said Garrett, explaining there are always a lot of people in the audience. "It's very overwhelming."

Young ladies from ages in all age groups compete in different divisions with 16 to 21 year olds competing in the senior division where the winner represents the county in the state competition.

Contestants are judged on beauty, poise, personality and how they respond to questions asked by the panel of out-of-county judges. This year there were 12 to compete in the senior division with 80-plus contestants in combined divisions, Smith said.

Big questions

Smith said there is no talent portion in the contest simply to keep the pageant in line with the state competition, which chooses its winner based on similar standards as Bedford County. In addition to displaying grace and style during the beauty portion of the pageant, contestants do, however, have to answer some questions, on the spot, during the competition.

Garrett had to answer two questions, of which she had no prior knowledge of, including, "What does beauty mean to you?" and "If you could help anyone who would you help and why?"

Preparation

Garrett prepared for the question portion of the competition by surfing the internet and studying many questions that are typically asked of pageant contestants.

"I also watched YouTube videos (of pageants) and walked for a week straight in high heels," she laughed.

She didn't buy a new dress, but rather, about three hours before the competition, chose something to wear from her personal collection of old prom dresses. She also had to scramble to find someone to do her hair and make up.

"I hate wearing make up," she said. "This is it. I don't wear much make up and my hair is air dried right now."

Garrett said she learned a lot from the county fair competition and will spend much more time preparing for the state competition, with the help of Smith. Between softball games, trail riding, classes at Middle Tennessee State University, and spending time with friends, Garrett said she's even looking forward to shopping for dresses to wear at the state competition.

Great helper

Garrett is guided through the whole process, from county to state level, by Smith, who has coordinated the Fairest of the Fair competition for three years. She said she took on the coordinating role after her own daughter won the crown in 2006.

"The fair was so good to her that I felt like I needed to give back in some way," Smith said.

Currently, Smith is lining up local appearances for Garrett to take part in, including passing out ribbons at the upcoming Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, and helping Garrett to prepare for the state competition. Once the state competition is over, Smith will shift her focus to the months of preparation that will go into next year's Fairest of the Fair.

"I could not have done any of this without her," Garrett said.

What's next

No one from Bedford County has ever won at the state level, but perhaps no one as atypical as Garrett has ever tried to win.

Win or lose, Garrett is grateful for the opportunity and for another chance to compete. And when it's all said and done, for Garrett, life will go on.

"I'm majoring in psychology," she said. "And someday I'd like to move out west ... On to bigger and better things, where there's more opportunity."