Kleberg County’s Farm Bureau Beauty Queen Contest

In 1970, as the daughter of a farmer/rancher, it made perfect

sense,

as a sort of small town rite of passage,

when my mother suggested

I enter

Kleberg County’s Farm Bureau Beauty Queen Contest,

held in Riviera High School’s cafeteria.

I got 1st runner up.


Do not be overly impressed.


There were 3 contestants.


Here is what I remember:

1.  My brother sat in the audience and made faces at me the

entire time. 

2.  There was one question for all 3 participants.



What makes Farm Bureau great?

3. This was not the time to wax poetic on stage about the

wonders

of community, farming, agriculture,  etc…

which is what I did… 

because, well…

I love poetic waxing…



4.  The winner and rightful queen simply answered,


”They make good insurance.”


5.  Later my brother told me

“Sis, I didn’t understand a word you said.” 

Swell.

My mother swiftly took my $50 runner up prize money and

said she thought I needed a Singer

sewing machine,

which is pictured above.



We then loaded up the car ,

after I changed out of the evening gown my mother had

made on her Singer sewing machine,

and went into Kingsville to a dance

to hear

Sandy and the Six Pack.


Guess where I had more fun?