July 22, 2008 — Growing up, Jennifer Williams has looked up to the girls chosen as Miss Lassen County. Now the role will be reversed as Williams became Miss Lassen County 2008 during the annual pageant held on Tuesday, July 15 at the Lassen County Fairgrounds. The event marked the 40th anniversary of the Miss Lassen County pageant and 14 former Miss Lassen County representatives were in attendance.

Williams, daughter of Robb and Julie Williams, said it is really exciting being the 40th Miss Lassen County.

“I’ve looked up to the girls who’ve been Miss Lassen County in the past and I think it’s an honor to be part of them,” Williams said.

Her court includes Princess Katherine Collett, who received a $400 scholarship and Susanville Ambassadress Celeste Blakeman who received a $500 scholarship.

As Miss Lassen County, Williams said she is looking forward to going to all the events Susanville offers and meeting new people. Williams said she also wants to be a role model.

As Miss Lassen County, Williams said she hopes to host an event for children such as a bikeathon where participants ride their bicycles down the Bizz Johnson Trail.

Williams, who earned a $1,000 scholarship and Most Talented, tap danced to “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” an energetic performance that had the crowd clapping.

Although she said she was nervous, Williams said her performance was really exciting and she had a lot of fun with the dance.

When her name was called for Miss Lassen County, Williams said she was shocked and describes the moment as overwhelming.

She said Miss Lassen County 2007 Delilah Zimmermann came and congratulated her and she could hear the crowd but it didn’t hit her at first that she was Miss Lassen County.

During fair time, Williams and her court appear at all the events including the ribbon cutting, Old Timer’s Day, Kiddies Day and serve as judges in the apple pie contest.

Even though becoming Miss Lassen County is a dream come true for Williams and gives her an amazing feeling, Williams said she doesn’t think her new title will sink in until fair is over.

Williams is a senior at Lassen High School and is on the LHS softball team and drill team.

Collett received the community service award, and Shaylee Unterreiner was named Miss Congeniality, an award given by the other contestants.

In honor of the pageant’s 40th anniversary, the seven Miss Lassen County contestants vying for the crown opened the show in red outfits dancing to a repertoire of songs from 1968, 1978, 1988, 1998 and 2008.

After the opening number, last year’s princess Alex Spencer, ambassadress Gabby Barnash and Rebecca Lee performed “The Star Spangled Banner.”

During the evening 14 former Miss Lassen County representatives were introduced and their most memorable moments were shared with the audience.

Last year’s Little Miss court crowned Little Miss Ryann Brown and Little Mr. Jacob Bennett and Prince Dyllan Bond and Princess Megan Gower. Both Brown and Bennett’s mothers are former Miss Lassen County representatives. Shelley Templeton Bennett, Miss Lassen County pageant director was Miss Lassen County in 1989 and Tammi McMullen Brown was Miss Lassen County in 1990.

Entertainment during the evening also included a solo by last year’s Young Man of Achievement Adrian Gonzales . Janesville School cheerleaders performed along with Little Miss Susanville Emily Fluke, who was dressed in a sparkly silver dress. She sang “Don’t Reign on my Parade,” and received a thunderous applause.

Contestants enter the pageant with 50 percent of their score already tabulated from their interview with a panel of judges, their academic performance records and community service segment.

During the pageant, contestants participate in the talent segment and impromptu question segment and show off formal eveningwear.

Contestant Ashleigh Rice moved to Lassen County from Southern California last year. She said one of her main reasons for participating was to get involved in her new community and make new friends.

For the impromptu question, Rice, a student at Lassen Community College, was asked how the Lassen County pageant is different from others she has competed in.

Rice said it is different because she has created a stronger bond with the Miss Lassen County contestants than with any other girls in other competitions.

After the pageant, Rice said unlike other competitions, it’s not just a person who won, it’s a friend.