Gillespie County Royalty

For some of the 134th Gillespie County Fair Court, the role wasn’t something they had always dreamed of being.

Kenna Tatsch, the current Gillespie County Fair Queen, said becoming a part of the court is not something she ever thought she could do, but she had known others who ran and had looked to them as role models.

“I did not expect to become fair queen,” she said. “As the girls and I work together, I appreciate even more what an honor it is to continue the tradition of the fair court and what it stands for.”

Earning a spot on the court for Fair Duchess Ridley Strackbein became a focus three years ago, when a friend of hers ran.

“The court skipped a year during my sophomore year because of COVID-19,” she said. “Then, that same friend called me up to tell me I only had one chance left to run now and I better do it for my junior year.”

For Annabelle Tamez, Ella Grandjean and Ella Hartmann, it was something they’d been working toward for a while.

“Becoming a part of the fair court here in Gillespie County has been a big goal of mine ever since I moved to Fredericksburg in the sixth grade,” Tamez said. “Watching the girls at the parades and different events around town looked like such an amazing opportunity and it seemed like a group I wanted to be a part of.”

Grandjean and Hartmann both felt they could use this role to have a bigger impact on their community.

“I wanted to be involved in my community and a role model for the little girls who look up to us,” Grandjean said. “It is a great honor and opportunity to be the young woman little girls wish to be.”

She hoped to show young girls that being a part of this community is about more than just looking pretty and wearing a crown.

“It is about integrity, responsibility and poise,” she said. “Being on this fair court has been a goal of mine ever since I have lived in Fredericksburg.”

Hartmann, a star basketball player for Fredericksburg High School, felt this would give her a chance to expand herself in the community beyond sports.

“Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love the game and I am wanting to further my career in college,” she said.

She can recall sitting on Main Street watching the court’s float parade downtown and thinking she wanted to be just like them.

“So, when the time came for it to maybe be me, I took it and it has been so much fun so far,” she said. “I am really enjoying meeting new people at the many events that we hold at the fair grounds. Also, bonding with the girls is so much fun, expanding my friendships and getting close with them, as well.”

Queen’s court provides opportunities for community involvement.

By Samuel Sutton

Standard-Radio Post editor

Kenna Tatsch

2022 Gillespie County Fair Queen.

Ella Grandjean

2022 Gillespie County Fair First Duchess

Fair Holds Deeper Meaning

Though their paths may be different, one thing is true. This fair is more than just a fair to these girls.

“Growing up, the fair has meant many things to me, from winning goldfish at carnival games, helping decorate the 4-H fair board, showing goats, heifers and a reserve exotic steer, helping my family produce the grand champion bale of hay, to being crowned fair queen,” Tatsch said. “The people of Gillespie County are deeply rooted in agriculture and the fair is so important because it gives this community the opportunity to come together and celebrate our heritage.”

Strackbein, Hartmann and Grandjean felt the fair also established family traditions in their homes growing up and was always a way to bring people together.

“From my first merry-go-round ride with my Nana, to baking with my

mom, picking out the best vegetables with my Omie, making my own art to exhibit and showing my Angoras, this fair has meant a connection to my family and my community,” Strackbein said. “It’s very special to us.

Grandjean said aside from the community spirit the fair brings, she believes it also brings people together for good times with family, friends and neighbors.

Tamez moved to Fredericksburg from a larger city right before a fair. As a newcomer, she enjoyed watching the event bring so much excitement for the town.

“It continues to blow my mind every year,” she said. “The fair is something that has been a huge part of Gillespie County and it shows how closely knit this community is. It’s something that comes every year and brings people from all over Texas to our small town and really just boosts the overall morale of our city.”

Ella Hartmann

2022 Gillespie County Fair Second Duchess

Anniversary Year

Over the past year, being part of the court has provided multiple experiences for the queen and duchesses.

With this year’s fair coinciding with the town’s 175th anniversary, the court got to have more experiences than those of previous years.

“I feel like we are getting some bonus time serving on the fair court, since the previous girls were headed off to college,” Tatsch said. “We got to start working horse races, fundraisers and parades as soon as we were crowned. We have baked cakes, redecorated the fair float, attended chamber mixers, and dressed as bunnies in the Easter Fires pageant and settlers for the 175th Anniversary celebration.”

Strackbein said this helped her learn more about her heritage in Gillespie County and made her feel like part of the story her grandkids might read about someday.

Annabelle Page Tamez

2022 Gillespie County Fair Fourth Duchess

Ridley Strackbein

2022 Gillespie County Fair Third Duchess

Offering Advice to Future Courts

And as the 134th court readies to pass on their crowns to future queens and duchesses, they hope to pass on a little wisdom, as well.

“I hope to pass on to future courts what has so graciously been shared with me through this experience,” Tatsch said. “Gillespie County takes great pride in its past, present and future generations. It is our privilege to learn from the past, live in the present and teach the future to carry on the traditions that make this place we call home so amazing.”

Tamez offered the advice to cherish every moment with the court.

“Before you know it, you’ll be handing off a crown and sash to the next court,” she said. “Make the most of everything and just trust that, even

though whatever you’re having to do may seem a little silly at times, everything falls into place exactly the way it should.”

Grandjean stressed having fun.

“Enjoy your time with Lindsay, Marvin, Art, the fair directors, the GCFFA families and especially the girls on your court,” she said.

She also wants future courts not to be afraid to ask questions.

“The people around you are there to help you in your role of representing your community,” she said. “I have loved every moment of being on the fair court and will soak up all the time I have left with my fair grounds family.”