lynelle.miller@heraldbulletin.com

Lisa Rinker was the Madison County 4-H Fair Queen in 1977. Patty Riggs was the queen in 1970.

Both Rinker and Riggs have gone from competing to coordinating.

Since 1985, these two women have taken on the task of organizing this event — which is no small feat.

“I actually took over in 1983,” said Rinker, Alexandria. “I was on the committee since 1981 and (in 1983) something came up and I was kind of thrown into being coordinator.”

Being a 10-year 4-H member, volunteer and part of the 4-H association before, Rinker was no stranger to 4-H and the amount of work it takes to coordinate such an event, but she needed help.

“The pageant is a huge activity with lots of responsibilities,” said Rinker. “That’s why I asked Patty to help me soon after I took over.”

So for the past 22 years, these ladies have become a well-oiled machine.

“We love the girls,” said Riggs, Anderson, who was also a 10-year 4-H member, volunteer and part of the 4-H association. “We love to help them prepare for the contest.”

Not only do they hold workshops for the girls that help them with everything from formal wear to posture and professional wear and makeup, but both Rinker and Riggs make themselves available during their free time as well.

“We will have girls come to our houses,” said Riggs. “We really make ourselves available. We want to see them do well.”

According to several of the contestants, both Rinker and Riggs are completely honest when it comes to critiquing them.

“Both are really nice and really honest,” said Jessie Irwin, 18, Pendleton, who is entering her third year in the contest. “They say what they really think of our outfits. Their critiques have helped me improve.”

Sarah Ruffer, 18, Pendleton, who is also entering her third year in the contest, agreed.

“They’re great help,” said Sarah. “They let us know exactly what to expect and how to get through it. They make sure our makeup matches our outfits and everything we are doing is correct. They’re extremely nice.”