1989 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen
Natalie Randles

 

 

1989 Dairy Festival Queen
"Knew Nothing About Cows But
Relied on Her Violin To Steal The Show"

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

The 1989 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen admits that she had "doubts about touching a cow and performing on a bale of hay" when she moved to Sulphur Springs, back in 1981, and first began meeting the dairy farm families of the area. However, by the time it was her turn to milk a cow and perform in the Dairy Festival Pageant, some seven and one-half years later, she was "up for the challenge," having relied on some good friends from church to teach her all she needed to know!

The year 1989, in Hopkins County, found Mayor Margin Latham "pitching the first pitch" to open the Girl's Softball Association season and County Commissioner Elton Stewart claiming the same honors at the opening of the Boy's Baseball season. And, it was Sharon Allan, Stacy Reed, Sonya Caldwell, and Mandy Wright, students at Sulphur Bluff High School, who were headed to the state UIL Contest in Austin, to represent their school.

Travis Elementary School students in the Kindergarten classes had made a field trip of going to the Hopkins County Memorial Hospital E.R. Department, where Marilee Fisher, one of the nurses, showed them the procedures of treating patients when they were admitted to the department. Of course, she used a teddy bear to allay any fears the students might have. The John Phillip Sousa Award at SSHS was awarded to Jim Smith during the Band Banquet and Ashanta Alexander was named the outstanding freshman student. Rick Smith was presented the outstanding junior class award and Brooke McKee was named outstanding senior student.

It was May 1989, that the City Council had assigned a task force to assess the location of the new Southwest Dairy Museum, that had decided to locate in Sulphur Springs. The original site that had been planned called for the relocation of a number of the boys baseball fields and had concerns from a number of parents that the relocation of the fields would not meet their adequate needs. Then, it was at the same time that lightning struck the Historic Hopkins County Courthouse, during a spring thunderstorm, knocking two holes in the roof and thwarting electricity, telephone, and computer power for an extended period of time.

A gallon of milk was $1.69 and ice cream was "on special" for 99 cents a 1/2 gallon at Winn-Dixie. Eggs were 49 cents a dozen. The Cattleman's Club was offering their all-you-could-eat catfish and seafood buffet, on Friday nights, for $10.95 a person. Chris Barton was named valedictorian and Marla Smith was named salutatorian at SSHS in 1989, while Jay Petty was "head of his class" at Cumby High School, with Jeff Wheat taking the 2nd spot. Gary Overman was the valedictorian at Como-Pickton and Greg McCain was the salutatorian.

 

Natalie Randles poses with those that rode on her Sweepstakes winning float, depicting Disneyland-Tokyo.

 

It was 1989 that the City National Bank in Sulphur Springs was celebrating their Centennial year. They planned a number of receptions and photo opportunities to honor those families that had done business with the institution in the past 100 years. And, "Hank the Cowdog" author, John Erickson made an appearance at the Middle School in Sulphur Springs, as he entertained the youth and encouraged them to learn the skill of writing.

Harold Bryant, Judy Gilreath, and Rosa Rutherford, incumbents, were all running for the SSISD School Board and Charles Gilreath and Harold Arnold were seeking re-election to the hospital board. It was Bill McCool and Ron Lumus that were running for the City Council. McCool met a challenger, Jim Thompson, and was defeated in a run-off election.

Doyle and Mike Wood were advertising two new loads of springing Holstein heifers, that had arrived at their lot in Martin Springs, and local Wildcat baseball standout, Steven Spencer, had signed a baseball scholarship with Howard County Junior College, in Big Spring. It was Country and Western singer, Gary Morris, that was appearing in concert at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center, in May of 1989. And, new four-way stop signs were being installed on Loop-301 and the Houston Street intersection.

Current issues in the state of Texas in 1989, included a contingency from the state critisizing Washington over the illegal alien entry in the U.S. through the southern border. It found Senator Bill Ratliff explaining the differences between the state house and senate versions of the worker's compensation reforms, and farmers in the state upset over what they termed as a "runaround" from the Farmers Home Administration Service, in helping them secure crop and production loans.

On the national and international scene, it would be the 9th of November, 1989, before the Berlin Wall fell, but the Cold War was fast coming to an end. Exxon Mobile was in the news, following a massive oil spill, off the coast of Alaska. And, hundreds of protesters had been killed in China's Tienanmen Square, causing wide-spread condemnation of the Chinese government. "The American Gladiator Show" was a popular past-time on television and "Cops" had become the first reality T.V. show to hit the airwaves. The "Fighting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" were the popular toy for youngsters.

 

1989 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Candiates are shown with 1988 Queen Angie Diamond, as they
prepared for the evening gown competion, during the pageant.

 

"Roseanne" was the most popular television show for the year, exceeding "The Cosby Show," that was the second most watched. Other favorites included: "Cheers," "A Different World," "Americas Funniest Home Videos," "The Golden Girls," "The Wonder Years," and "Empty Nest." You might have also found yourself watching: "Unsolved Mysteries," "In The Heat of the Night," "L.A. Law," "Coach," "Matlock," or "Who's the Boss?"

"Look Away," by Chicago was listed as the top song of 1989, with Bobby Brown's "My Perogative," a close second. "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," by Poison, "Miss You Much," by Janet Jackson, "Cold Hearted" and "Straight Up," by Paula Abdul, and "Wind Beneath My Wings," by Bette Midler were also at the top of the charts in 1989. Other popular selections included: "Girl You Know Its True," by Milli Vanilli, "Waiting For A Star to Fall," by Boy Meets Girl, "Lost in Your Eyes," by Debbie Gibson, and "Don't Wanna Lose You," by Gloria Estefan. Madonna's "Like A Prayer," was controversial and Pepsi Cola pulled the song as a background selection for one of their advertisements. Bon Jovi's "I'll Be There For You," "I'll Be Loving You Forever," by the New Kids on the Block," and Vanessa William's "Dreamin'," were among the popular songs, as well.

Natalie Cole's "Miss You Like Crazy," Donny Osmond's "Soldier of Love," and Sheena Easton's "The Lover In Me," could be found playing among the Hopkins County teenagers, as they made their way about Sulphur Springs. Tone Loc's "Wild Thing" brought a steady rhythm and Cher sang "If I Could Turn Back Time." Rod Stewart made "My Heart Can't Tell You No," popular and  "How Can I Fall?" by Breathe was a top selection.

 

Can you guess who this is? It's Dallas Campbell as he made his appearance
at the 1989 Ice Cream Contest, complete with his spoon!

 

If Country and Western was your choice of music, as was for many in Hopkins County, the top songs included: "High Cotton," and "Song of the South," by Alabama; "Timber, I'm Fallin' In Love," by Patty Loveless, and "Killin' Time," by Clint Black. Country and Western singer Keith Whitley, who had made popular "I'm No Stranger to the Rain," died in a tragic alcohol poisoning death in May of 1989. His "I Wonder Do You Think Of Me," became an instant hit, as the song was released posthumously. And, his widow, Lorrie Morgan found an instant success with several releases, including "Dear Me."

Merle Haggard released "A Better Love Next Time," and the 1989 collaberation of Hank Williams, Jr, with his father's voice-overs, made a hit with "There's A Tear in My Beer." George Strait released another hit with "Baby's Gotten Good at Good-bye, " and an Oklahoma singer by the name of Garth Brooks entered the Country and Western scene with a "flash" as he produced "If Tomorrow Never Comes."  The Judds released "Young Love," and Tanya Tucker produced "Call On Me," and "Highway Robbery." It was The Statler Brother's that made popular "More Than A Name on A Wall," that talked about the Vietnam War Memorial and Billy Joe Royal crooned "Tell It Like It Is." However, most people in Hopkins County could relate to the Restless Heart hit, "Big Dreams in A Small Town."

At the box office in 1989, it was "Batman," that earned the number one spot, with an unprecedented over $251 million in sales. "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" was the second highest movie and "Lethal Weapon II," was in third place. The comedy featuring a funny little baby, "Look Who's Talking," was fourth and "Honey I Shrunk The Kids," was the fifth highest grossing movie for the year. Other popular flicks included: "Back to the Future II," "Ghostbusters II," "The Little Mermaid," "Parenthood," and the classic "Driving Miss Daisy."

Meanwhile, it was ten young ladies from Hopkins County who made a choice to compete for the 1989 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen. And, about all you can say for the fashion statement would be "It Was The Year For Hair!"

Competing for the crown were: Natalie Cromer, sponsored by Mother's Culture Club; Paige Dawson, sponsored by Waverly Club; Dustanna Hyde, representing Hopkins County Farm Bureau; Kristin Irvin, sponsored by Kiwanis Club; Shelly Moore, representing the Junior Waverly Club; Rotary Club sponsored Misty Morrison; Dial Study Club sponsored Kimberly Reed; Natalie Randles sponsored by the B&PW Club; Lesa White, sponsored by the Hopkins County DHIA and East Texas Holstein Breeders; and Valerie Van Vranken, sponsored by Vera Harrington Dairies.

 

The ten Dairy Festival Candidates are shown here posing following their round at
the Milking Contest, held on the downtown square.

Here the candidates are a little more relaxed as they have just watched their parents compete in the
Parent's Milking Contest. Yes, that's Fred Randles on the back row, in the big cowboy hat. Who would have ever
"thunk" it?

The theme for the 1989 Dairy Festival was "Amusement Parks in Dairyland" and the floats and stage setting involved amusement parks across the nation, such as "Dollywood," "Disney World," "Epcot Center," and "Six Flags." Mr. Bruce Fielden served as President of the Hopkins County Dairy Festival Board of Directors and Bobby McDonald served as vice-president. Mrs. Eva Ruth Long served as secretary; Mrs. Wanda Winfrey was treasurer; and Mrs. Pam Black was reporter. Other board members included: Dwight Alexander, Denney Ashcroft, Mrs. Shem Ray III, Sammie Bedford, Mike Blount, Mary Campbell, Debra Evans, Jerry Gibby, Lynda Hager, Kenneth Hyde, Judy Jones, Jerry Kerbo, Joan Longinio, Nita Lair, David Reid, Rita Wright, and Lisa Williams.

The Judge's Dinner was held in the home of Mr. & Mrs. Morris Bolton and Mr. & Mrs. James Diamond hosted the Queen's Dinner. Bill Brooks served as the Master of Ceremonies and Fielden welcomed the guests to the pageant.

Little "Visitors in the Park" included: Ashley Hinton, Sam Smith, Kaylene Black, Blake Birchfield, Crysta Petty, Grant Alexander, Chelsea Suttle, Garrison Reid, Meredith Reid, Dallas Campbell, Lee Davis, Layne Ashmore, Dee Ann Evans, as the engineer, Susanna Reid, Justin Wright, Laci Ragan, Kristopher Wright, Savana Gibby, Reid Long, Abbey Price, and Jace Wood.

Can you "match-up" these "Little Visitors to the Park" with the names
above?

 

In a re-cap of the 1989 Dairy Festival Pageant, it was local writer, Dana Cleaver, who declared that Natalie Randles, daughter of Fred and Jane Randles, had won the coveted 1989 Crown.  "At 16 years old, Natalie Randles wowed the audience and the judges, as they 'fell in love' with her voice and violin rendition, during the talent portion of the pageant," proclaimed Cleaver. "She sang Amazing Grace and quickly ended her presentation with the up-beat Orange Blossum Special, on the violin!"

Runner-ups for the 1989 crown included: Misty Morrison, as the first runner-up and Dustanna Hyde, as the second runner-up. In the float contest, it was again Randles float, depiction of Disneyland-Toyko, that took the Sweepstakes Prize, followed by Natalie Cromer's "Opryland" float that won the Theme Award;  Shelly Moore's float for the Originality Award; and Kimberly Reed's float was chosen for the Beauty Award.

 

1989 Dairy Festival Queen Natalie Randles and Runners-up Misty Morrison
and Dustanna Hyde, are shown with their parents, following the naming of
the queen.

 

"It was an honor to be chosen by the Business and Professional Women's Club to be contestant #6," expressed Natalie Randles Brown, as we found her living in Wichita Falls, Texas. "Especially, when the other nine contestants were my friends from school and you knew it was going to be fun competing and enjoying the parade and other aspects of the contest with them!"

"The Dairy Festival experience certainly enhanced my life," exclaims Natalie. "I tried to use the opportunity to continue to build skills in relating to people throughout the community and beyond. Attending the ribbon cuttings and community events, were very beneficial to me, as I gained self-confidence in interacting with people that I did not know. The Judge's dinner helped me prepare for interviews which would follow in life, and many people find it hard to believe, but the 20 second speech terrified me! I'm basically a very shy person, with a real fear of public speaking. Give me a violin or a microphone to sing, and I'm fine. But, I really had to work on preparing a speech and gaining the courage to speak before a crowd. Dairy Festival enhanced that experience and built confidence!"

 

Longtime Dairy Festival Pageant Coordinator,
Lynda Hager, is shown on stage with her
two grandsons, Layne and Callan Ashmore,
at the 1989 Pageant.

 

"Dairy Festival also provided a wonderful experience with my parents, that will be treasured memories for my entire life," allowed Natalie. "I'll never forget the experience of going to the Don Smith Dairy, learning how to milk a cow, and Dubby Henton squirting my dad with a face full of milk! And, my Mom was one of those who just couldn't wait to gather all of our friends and start building a float. She got all the singles department at First Baptist Church, her friend Carolyn McKinney, Mr. Edwin Hurt, and a host of others to begin crafting the float. Then, we called on friends Lance Gammill, Casey Gregory, Carroll Bonner, Jessica Miller, Caroline Shipp, and Brit Fisher to ride on the float, in costume, with me. Dad was in charge of making the music play to It's A Small World."

"My parents were incredibly supportive, but one area that they made me complete on my own, was the ticket sales portion of the contest," continued Natalie. "I can remember going to the church directory and beginning with the letter 'A' and making calls to everyone I knew. Those precious people were very sweet and purchased tickets from me, making it possible for me to win the ticket sales portion of the Dairy Festival, also."

"Ironically, most of my friends were worried about the talent segment of the contest," exclaimed Natalie. "But, that was like throwing Brer Rabbit in the Briar Patch, for me, as I had been afforded the opportunity to sing and perform all over the world, with the youth choir at First Baptist Church and other venues. I thanked my Dad and Mom for giving me the opportunities to gain experience and that made it much, much easier for me in the contest!"

 

Natalie Randles Brown is shown here, today, escorted by
her husband Darren Brown.

 

"Three ladies who helped me greatly during the contest and the following year as queen, were Lynda Hager, Pam Black, and Mary Campbell," related Natalie. "All of them served on the board and they helped me with elements of sound during the contest, and supported me throughout my  reign as queen."

"Certainly, I graciously received the crown of Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen of 1989, but the greatest gift I received was a very valuable lesson in life. 'It takes a village and a lifetime to win the pageant!' And, when the tiara becomes tarnished and laid aside, the friends and my memories will be as real as the day I was crowned," advises Natalie, to anyone who contemplates entering the contest. "I would tell any young girl to 'go for it,' to expand your horizons, work hard for the goal, be involved in your community, milk a cow, and make the many priceless friends that you're sure to make. I am so grateful I had the opportunity!"

Following graduation from Sulphur Springs High School in 1990, Natalie attended Baylor University, where she was awarded a full violin scholarship. She graduated from Baylor with a Bachelor of Sciences degree in nursing and met and married her husband, Darren Brown, an anesthetist. Today, they make their home in Wichita Falls, where they are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, Olivia, age 5, and Camille, age 2.

Natalie is employed at West Foundation Elementary School, as the school nurse, and her family attends First Baptist Church Wichita Falls, where Natalie is a featured violinist in the orchestra, sings solos, and performs solo on the violin. In addition, she teaches private violin lessons and voice lessons, while also singing and playing for numerous wedding engagements.

"The greatest joy of Darren and my life is rearing our precious little girls, which includes Awana, Children's Choir, Upward Cheerleading, dance, gymnastics, and school activities," allows Natalie. "Hopefully, in the future, my daughters will have equally rewarding experiences in their lives, as Dairy Festival was for me!"

 

Natalie and Darren are the parents of two beautiful daughters, Olivia, age 5, and Camille, age 2.

 

Meanwhile, as Natalie served as Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen, it was C.J. Duffey, local boxer, that was booking his first boxing match. And, it was Larry Goldsmith, a senior at Sulphur Springs High School that had signed a letter of intent to play football for Tabor College, in Hillsboro, Kansas.

Longtime Lamar Elementary School Principal, Vaden Richey, had announced his retirement and would be vacating his position in the spring of 1989. And, an 18-year old Commerce youth had drowned in Lake Sulphur Springs, in a boating accident with friends. Katherine McKee, age 15, of Sulphur Springs, had entered college at East Texas State University, making her the youngest student at the university.

The Hopkins County Extension Service was celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 1989 and  a time capsule was buried, reflecting the momentous occasion. The District Attorney's Office had announced its move to a house on College Street, that had historic value to Hopkins County. Four Sulphur Springs High School students, Chris Barton, Marla Smith, Kristi Jones, and Bobby Korn, had brought home medals from the state UIL competition.

Allison Buckley had been hired as the Main Street Director for Sulphur Springs, as momentum for the designation had built in the community. Price Ford Sales was offering a 1989 Ford Bronco for only $10,442.00 and a 1989 Ford Ranger Pickup for only $7,378.00. Serving as officers for the next year in the Blue Blazes Drill Team would be: Shelley Vititow, Natalie Randles, Brandy Enlow, Sabra Vanderford, Apryl Tolbert, Dawn Foreman, Amber Clifton, and Meredith Hettich.

And, flames gutted the former Hopkins County Memorial Hospital building, on Davis Street. And, it was Rodney Flowers and Cody Elliot, who played for the Mid-Am Cheese Team in the Dairy Festival Soccer Tournament. Brides featured in the annual "Bridal Showcase" in the local newspaper, included Kim Bell, bride-elect of Morgan Anderson, Suzy Burney, bride-elect of Tom Rost, and Carrie Wallace, bride-elect of Larry Crowson. And, the Cooper Lake Construction Project was termed "on track" for completion.

Meanwhile, the spring of 1989 had local dairy farmers experiencing a "wet" year for moisture and promises of a good hay crop. But, the same rains were causing "havock" in the basement of the historic Hopkins County Courthouse, where "water was rising!" But on a much brighter note, Rita Miles, a senior at Cumby High School, had been selected as Miss Cumby, during festivities associated with the Black Jack Grove Pageant.

However, the town was saddened at learning of the death of Ross Miller, age 20 and the son of Dr. & Mrs. Mark Miller, as he was killed in a vehicle accident in Honduras. He was attending a Christian Medical Mission Trip, when the accident occured. And, Mrs. Vida Alsobrooks, had been named the Outstanding Older Texan, by Judge Joe Pogue, in ceremonies at the Civic Center. Chris Rorie, senior golfer at SSHS, had signed a golf scholarship to Grayson County Junior College, to complete his college education.

The Yantis Baseball Team was advancing to the state play-offs, as they faced Martinsville. And, a 73 year old farmer, L.C. Brumley was killed in a tractor rolling accident, on his farm, off highway 154 south. Longtime Sulphur Springs educator, Edna Mabe, had announced her retirement and was being honored with a reception, and the Sulphur Springs Community Players were featuring the play "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty."

Life in Hopkins County, in 1989, had its successes and challenges, as folks went about milking cows, trying to plan ahead, and prosper. But, as in any year, the closeness of people, the helping of one another, and the giving back to the community, were the major contributions to our community.

"I would like to thank every single person that helped me and supported me, in any way, during my year in Dairy Festival," expresses Natalie Randles Brown. "But, even more, I thank them for the growth and development that they afforded me as I was reared in Sulphur Springs. I'm proud to be the Dairy Festival Queen of 1989!"

 

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