The Mrs. Essex County Pageant crowned their 43rd winner this year at the Topsfield Fair.
The event, partnered with Northshore Magazine, highlighted married women above the age of 18, with general appearance, drive to volunteer, and an outgoing personality. They must also live in Essex County with their husbands. All women were required to submit an item of homemade food, as part of the judging process. This year, the food of choice was “their favorite dessert”.
The pageant is not a competition based on mere beauty, but a celebration of women who can multi-commitment themselves to family, work, and community. Hundreds of women have entered over the years in order to honor the Essex Agricultural Society at local events, and to serve as hostess of the Topsfield Fair.
This year’s contest was held in Coolidge Hall, on the fairgrounds. Our Associate Publisher, Kelly Schetzsle, had the opportunity to participate as one of four judges. Schetzsle scored the contestants on certain criteria such as appearance, personality, poise, and food score.
“This past Sunday, I had the privilege of meeting seven incredible women competing for Mrs. Essex County. These women exemplified community service, family values, and a love for the Topsfield Fair,” Schetzsle said.
Out of the seven women who competed for this year’s title, Amelia DiGregorio of Peabody was ultimately crowned Mrs. Essex County 2014. Kathy Syska, of Peabody, was the first runner-up, and Joan Lagasse, of West Boxford, was named the second runner-up in the contest.
For information on next year’s pageant, click here.