Emily Stanton prepares for state fair pageant

Tennessee Association of Fairs hosts an annual banquet with county agricultural fairs competing in a variety of competitions to earn awards based on the county fairs and exhibits they hosted during the proceeding summer and fall. One of those competitions is the TAF’s Fairest of the Fair pageant featuring all the state’s local Fairest of the Fair winners – for White County that is Emily Stanton.

“In the perspective of pageantry, many think it is just beauty, trophies, and crowns, but it is so much more to me than that,” Stanton said. “As I am representing our small town. I want to make an impact on other individuals and make a difference in our community and potentially all over the state of Tennessee.”

Stanton explained that as someone who has been involved in pageants since a young age, as well as being a former Girl Scout, volunteering is something that she has always loved and is enjoying getting to use her new platform as White County’s Fairest of the Fair to continue serving her community.

“Ever since I was little, I have been actively volunteer-ing for numerous organizations and have well over 300 volunteer hours,” she said. “Overall, I adore seeing the impact and difference my time and efforts can make in our community. With receiving the title of White County Fairest of the Fair, I have been blessed with so, so many opportunities to make a difference in Sparta, as well as all over the state.”

For Stanton, the highlight of the event is the state’s Humanitarian Project that TAF has implemented as a part of the pageant. While there have been a variety of causes that the TAF Fairest of the Fair Humanitarian Service Project has supported over the years, this year’s project will include the collection of school supplies for area teachers who may need to restock classroom supplies or to help students who may need a new set of supplies as the second half of the 2023/2024 Tennessee school year kicks off.

“Growing up, I remember getting new supplies for the school year, and it made me feel well-rounded knowing that I had what I needed to be successful and have an excellent school year,” Stanton explained. “Knowing that some children may not be able to show their full potential due to the fact that they don’t have the supplies they need is absolutely heartbreaking to me, and I want to help as much as I can.”

Stanton said she gets inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s most memorable quote, ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world.’

“Gandhi’s message urges us to embody the values and principles we wish to see in the world,” she said. “Instead of waiting for others to make changes, we must take responsibility for our actions and lead by example. I may not be able to change the world as a whole, but I can make a difference.”

The TAF Fairest of the Fair Pageant is scheduled for Jan. 18, 2024, so Stanton will be collecting donations of school supplies through Jan. 17. She said some area businesses have offered to allow her to set up collection stations, but anyone who would like to donate personally to her project or set up a collection box at their business should reach out to her via Facebook.

“If anyone would like to know more detailed information, you can check out my personal Facebook page as I regularly post updates and new information as I get it,” she said. “If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.”