1992 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen
Carolyn Clifton
It Was "Fun and Games
In Dairyland" For 1992 Festival
by: Bobby McDonald
When Hopkins County paused to celebrate the Dairy Festival in 1992, it was a theme of "Fun and Games In Dairyland" that was adopted for the week long tribute to the local dairy industry. Floats, mini-floats and staging were all centered around a theme that encouraged local residents to have fun and pay respect to the industry that was still the number one revenue source of Hopkins County........Agriculture!
The year 1992 found four candidates seeking three seats on the SSISD School Board, three incumbents and one challenger. Seeking election were incumbents Harold Bryant, Rosa Rutherford, and Judy Gilreath, and challenger, Susan Cutrell. The three incumbents were elected, that spring. And, local actor, Joseph McCorkle, had landed a role in Houston: Legend of Texas, where he played opposite Sam Elliot, who portrayed the legendary, Sam Houston.
Nicknamed "The Sweetheart Swindler," Alfred Barakett, of Dallas, who had been convicted of bilking women in nine states, out of their money, when he became romantically involved with them, faced 120 years in federal prison.
And, five new members had been inducted into the Wildcat Hall of Fame. They were: Max "Poss" Baxter, Jerry Haney, Thomas Wright, Jacob Lewis, and Jordan Stanley.
Carolyn Clifton rode this Waverly Club float depicting "Candyland,"
in the 1992 parade. She won the Sweepstakes Award.
Cheers went up when the road to Cooper Lake had been opened in an illustrious ceremony marking years of efforts to complete the lake project. Speakers from all across the state marked the occasion, that was open to the public. And, "The Easy Life" was being promoted in Brashear, Texas, where an article expressed that the pace of life was much slower in the small western Hopkins County town, but people enjoyed the atmosphere and the sense of knowing each other's neighbors.
John Grisham's "Pelican Brief" was the top book on the market, in the spring of 1992, with Mary Higgins Clark's "All Around Town" and Ivana Trump's "For Love Alone," were also popular. Jane Smiley's "A Thousand Acres," Sandra Brown's "French Silk," and Eric Segal's "Acts of Faith," were among the top titles, as well.
In the Spring 1992 City Council Race, it was incumbent and mayor, Ron Lummus that narrowly escaped a run-off, while one was staged between Valanderous Bell and Al Smith, for the Place 4 seat. And, John Long, Wylie Martin, and Shad Scharloch were representing North Hopkins High School in UIL Journalism.
Danna Evans rode this Mother's Culture Club float that won the "Judge's Award,"
as the float depicted Moonique playing basketball against the Dairy Farmer's
worst enemy, "Margarine."
Local 4-H members, Chad Martin, Rachel Sanders, Ginger Henderson, Loyd Lennon, Carrie Lennon, Laura Lennon, and Anna Lennon, had won the Sweepstakes award at the District Share the Fun Contest for their skit and were headed for state competition. Meanwhile, Garry and Linda Yount, originally from Dallas, had moved to Sulphur Bluff, where they purchased a ranch and were enjoying raising registered Texas Longhorns. And, Archie Davis, Director of the Meal-A-Day Center and head cook, Gertrude Donaldson, were making sure that area residents, who were unable to cook for themselves, had "at least one good meal a day," delivered from the Senior Citizen's Building.
The Sulphur Springs FFA had conducted their 20th Anniversary Project Show and Auction, where over 70 students exhibited projects. Stew and chili were served to over 600 patrons, who supported the local chapter. And, Rev. Robert Ridley, a local Methodist Minister, was celebrating over 65 years in the ministry. Meanwhile, it was Don Patterson, who took the oath of office from Judge Joe Pogue, as the new Precinct #3 Commissioner for Hopkins County, as he filled the unexpired term of Delbert Tully, who had resigned, and Marvin Gregory, a local dairy farmer, had been named to the State Agricultural Finance Authority, by Governor Ann Richards.
Jami White rode this Farm Bureau float and won the "Theme Award."
It was Carmen Cross, Al Smith, Mark Doyle, and Archie Coursey who were readying the fields for the Annual Hopkins County Dairy Festival Soccer Tournament. And, it was a fourteen year old young man from the Greenpond Community, Brent Gamblin, who was featured in an article about his collection of first-edition toy tractors. He had more than 60 tractors in his collection.
It was Chris Wright who was named for the Forrest Gregg Award by Coach James Cameron, at SSHS, while Coach Ernestine Collvins named Sheila Sims and Kelley Moody as co-winners of the girl's award. Ben Thesing and Shane Allison were named for the Fighting Heart Award, in the boy's division, while Brandy Sachs and Wendi Harris were selected from the girl athletes. Eric Thurman won the boy's baseball MVP and J.J. Rorie was tapped for the Girl's MVP in golf.
Sulphur Bluff journalism students Stacie Reed and Jason Brown were headed for the state UIL competition in Austin, as a result of winning the area contest in Kilgore. And, the Second Annual Black Jack Grove Bike Tour was hosted in Cumby, while Sulphur Springs High School junior athlete, Jason Wright, had entertained the crowd at the All-Sports banquet with his humor and wit. The Senior girls at Sulphur Springs High School had claimed victory in the annual Powder Puff Football Game that had been hosted at Wildcat Stadium.
Stacie Kincaid rode this Kiwanis Club float that depicted
playing cards with a "royal flush."
Meanwhile, a "string of violent thunderstorms" had moved through Hopkins County in mid-May of 1992 and left damage throughout the city, causing the evacuation of the Sulphur Springs Nursing Home and flooding of streets all across town. The small town of Brashear had been hit by what residents called a "possible twister!" And, Ron Andres, SSHS Principal, had resigned his position. He was replaced from within the district by longtime local educator, Judy Tipping.
"End of the Road" by Boyz II Men was the top song for 1992, with "Baby Got Back," by Sir Mix A-Lot, "Jump," by Kris Kross, and Vanessa Williams' "Save the Best For Last," among the top selections for the year. Eric Clapton's "Tears In Heaven," En Vogue's "My Lovin' You're Nver Gonna Get It," and "Under the Bridge," by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, were popular songs among local youth, also. Right Said Fred made popular "I'm Too Sexy," and Billy Ray Cyrus was topping the charts with his popular "Achy Breaky Heart" on both the Pop and Country and Western Charts. Mariah Carey brought us "I'll Be There" and Michael Jackson made popular "Remember The Time."
Michele Berry rode this Jr. Waverly Club float in the 1992 parade depicted "Fun and Games
Dairyland."
The year 1992 in Country and Western music found Cyrus' song topping the charts, while Collin Raye brought us "Love, Me;" Garth Brooks performed "What She's Doin' Now" and "The River," while Alan Jackson made popular "Dallas." Other popular tunes included: "Is There Life Out There?" by Reba McEntire; Arron Tippin with "There Ain't Nothing Wrong With the Radio;" Sawyer Brown with "Some Girls Do;" Wynonna Judd with "I Saw The Light;" and Brooks and Dunn with "Boot Scootin' Boogie." George Strait made popular "I Cross My Heart" from the movie that he starred in by the same name, and later in the year Alan Jackson brought us "She's Got the Rhythm And I've Got The Blues." Vince Gill made famous "Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away" and "I Still Believe In You."
"Aladdin" was the top movie of 1992, grossing over $217 million at the box office. "Home Alone II" and "Batman Returns" were the number two and three movies, respectively. Other popular flicks on the silver screen for the year included: "Lethal Weapon 3," "A Few Good Men," "Sister Act," "The Body Guard," "Wayne's World," "Basic Instinct," and "A League of Their Own."
On the television it was "60 Minutes" that was the most popular show, while "Roseanne" was the second highest rated viewing. Other popular programs included: "Murphy Brown," "Cheers," "Home Improvement," "Designing Women," "Coach," "Full House," "Murder, She Wrote," and "Unsolved Mysteries." You might have also watched: "Evening Shade," "Northern Exposure," "Wings," or "America's Funniest Home Videos."
When it came time for contestants to enter the Dairy Festival Queen's Contest, young ladies in Hopkins County were busy and the contest only attracted five candidates, one of the smallest contests in the history of the organization. Competing for the title were: Michele Lyn Berry, representing the Junior Waverly Club; Danna Evans, representing the Mother's Culture Club; Carolyn Clifton, representing the Waverly Club; Kiwanis Club representative, Stacie Kincaid; and Hopkins County Farm Bureau representative, Jami White.
Karol Ann Taylor, 1991 Dairy Festival Queen (third from left) is joined by the five
young ladies who competed for the 1992 crown.
With activities like the 4th Annual Ladies Fashion Brunch, the Ice Cream Freeze-Off, Milking Contest, and other activities, the festival candidates were running a busy pace all week. And, although there were only five candidates, who built floats for the annual parade, the floats were termed "exceptional." Beautifully crafted floats by the candidates joined 1991 Queen Karol Ann Taylor's Queen's float and wound their way through Sulphur Springs, on Saturday morning. A host of little kids had their golf carts all decorated with the "Fun and Games" theme.
Stacie Kincaid managed to win the Milking Contest, when she managed to capture 3.1 pounds of milk, in her bucket. Danna Evans, who had been reared on a dairy farm in the North Hopkins area of the county, won second prize with 2.75 pounds and Jami White captured the third slot with a total of 2 pounds of milk.
The five young ladies vying for the 1992 Dairy Festival Crown are shown here
with their parents, as they get ready for the Milking Contest.
In the parent's milking contest, it was Danny and Debra Evans that captured the top prize, followed by Ricky and Becky Berry, and Mack and Linda White.
Once pageant night "rolled around," it was a brightly decoraged stage that candidates found on the final Saturday night of the celebration. Little kids were decorated in cheerleader and football uniforms, as baseball players, soccer players, and basketball players. They included: Abby Lawrence, Logan Caddell, Morgan Massey, Colten Wilks, Mandy Teer, Tyler Baker, Lacy McCaig, Chance Massey, Kaylene Black, Layne Ashmore, Tara Gibby, Collin Alexander, Whitney Gideon, Dustin Gideon, Makenzie Petty, Christopher Davis, Sloane Martin, Matison McCool, Katlin Black, Calan Ashmore, Christy Teer, Landon McCaig, Emily Holland, Jace DeWitt, Brandi Crouch, and Kory Koon.
John Ginn made his debute as the Master of Ceremonies for the 1992 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Pageant. Special entertainment was provided by local vocalist, Chuck Morrill and former Dairy Festival Queen, Angie Diamond. Queen Karol Ann Taylor provided a piano solo, during intermission in the contest.
Carolyn Clifton was congratulated by her parents, Joe and Kay Clifton, after being crowned the
1992 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen.
When the judges announced their selection, it was Carolyn Clifton, who was named the 1992 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen, the daughter of Joe and Kay Clifton. She had sang a Connie Francis song "Who's Sorry Now?" during the talent portion of the pageant.
Stacie Kincaid was named first runner-up, having presented a dramtic monologue from "The Star Spangled Girl." And, Jami White was named second runner-up, presenting the Bette Midler song, "The Rose," for her talent portion of the show. Michele Berry was voted Miss Congeniality by her peers in the contest.
Carolyn Clifton waves proudly from the Queen's float as she rides around the square in Sulphur
Springs in the 1993 Parade, with the historic Courthouse in the background.
Carolyn Clifton's Waverly Club float was also chosen for the Sweepstakes Award. White's Farm Bureau float was chosen for the "Theme Award," and Danna Evan's float won the "Judge's Award." Berry was cited for her win in the ticket sales, with Clifton winning second place in sales.
Abby Lawrence and Logan Caddell captured first place with their mini-float and second prize was awarded to Mandy Teer and Tyler Baker. Jace Dewitt and Emily Holland captured the third prize.
This was Jace DeWitt and Emily Holland's third prize mini-float in the 1992 parade.
Sloane Martin and Matison McCool are shown on
their golf cart in the 1992 parade.
1992 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen, Carolyn Clifton Hill, now makes her home in Branson, Missouri, and credits her experiences in Dairy Festival with "opening many, many doors to a performing career in music and dance." "I had moved to Sulphur Springs when I was eleven years old and witnessed my very first Dairy Festival," remembers Carolyn. "I was 'hooked' from that moment on, wanting to be a part of it when I got old enough, to ride a float and compete!"
"I must recognize my family. My parents, Joe and Kay Clifton, my sister and brother-in-law, and others helped to build my float and make my dream a reality," continued Carolyn. "I'll be forever indebted to my good friend, Chris Seals, who helped tremendously with my float, and I'll always remember him and my mother dancing around the float, once it was finished!"
Carolyn Clifton said it was "like the blind leading the blind" when she demonstrated to the
1993 candidates how to milk a cow!
Clifton's Sweepstakes winning float depicted "Candyland" and featured giant ice cream cones, a candy house, a "mooing" cow, a milk carton path, and Sam and Sally Smith riding on the float with Clifton. "It took hours and hours of work, but it was really very beautiful," remembers Carolyn. "Gilbert and Gracie McGrede generously let us build the float at the Old Coca-Cola Bottling Company Building, on Main Street."
Among Clifton's favorite memories are her experience in the Milking Contest. "I came in 'dead last,' because my cow kicked over the bucket. It wasn't very funny at the time, but now it's a riot, and then I was the one who attempted to show everyone how to milk, the next year when I was queen. You talk about the blind leading the blind...that was truly a riot!"
Gracie Weston and Vera Harrington, along with an unidentified man, serve as judges for the Ice Cream Freeze-Off
during the 1992 Contest.
The confidence that Carolyn built in Dairy Festival lead her to try-out for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and she won a spot on the National Squad. "My experiences as a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader were phenomenal," exclaims Carolyn, with a twinkle in her eye. I won the spot in 1999 and was fortunate enough to travel with the USO group to 11 different countries. I'll always remember the Christmas of 1999, when we performed on Christmas Eve in Seoul, Korea. We did a show for thousands of U.S. servicemen who hadn't seen their families in months. The image of tears in their eyes when we sang "Silent Night," will forever be in my mind!"
Dairy Festival Queen Carolyn Clifton became a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader,
after graduation from high school.
"As a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader, I had the opportunity to perform with Clint Black, Shania Twain, Lonestar, Reba McEntire, Richard Gere, and Kate Hudson," continued Carolyn. "It all felt very surreal and dreamlike!"
Carolyn graduated from Sulphur Springs High School in 1993 and attended Texas Christian University. The summer following her freshman year in college, she was with her family on vacation in Branson, Missouri, and learned of an audition for a singer and dancing position at the Silver Dollar City Opera House. She auditioned for the part and a week later, she was packing her clothes to move to Missouri. "It was a dream come true," exclaims Carolyn. "I performed on the Showboat Branson Belle, Dino's Christmas Spectacular, The Shoji Tabuchi Show, Red Hot and Blue, Country Tonite, and the Baldknobber's Jamboree. I also spent one season at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Meeting Dolly Parton was certainly a thrill!"
"Certainly, the performing has been fun and exciting," relates Carolyn. "But, my greatest accomplishment in life is my beautiful family. I married Jerod Hill in 2000, who is from Sulphur Springs, and we moved to Branson, where he opened Hill's Family Chiropractic Clinic. We have two talented sons, Connor, a five year old kindergarten student, and Dylan, who is six months old!"
"I now keep busy making commercials, singing in our church praise team, teaching a Bible study group, and taking care of my family," allows Carolyn. "However, we're back in Sulphur Springs regularly to visit my parents, my in-laws, Fred and Annis Hill, and all of our siblings and their families. Good Ol' Hopkins County was a wonderful place to be reared and will always be 'home,' for us!"
"Looking back on my Dairy Festival experience I remember all of the hard work that everyone did for me to be queen, from my parents, family, friends, and members of the Dairy Festival Board, especially Lynda Hager and Patricia Chase," states Carolyn. Everyone was very supportive and I'd advise any young girl that is given the opportunity, to go for it! But, be sure and hold on to your milk bucket in the milking contest. Those cows will kick them over!"
"My greatest accomplishment in life is my family," proudly declares Carolyn Clifton Hill,
shown here with husband Jerod Hill and sons, 5 year old, Connor, and 6-month old, Dylan.
Clifton remembers the hours of practice involved in traveling to Coppell to work with Kelly Matlock on her song and a black sequined dress with lots of purple and blue ruffles, that she wore during her talent presentation. "It was fun and an opportunity to 'get glamorous'!" remarked Carolyn.
Meanwhile, while Carolyn was serving as Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen, it was the first drawing for the $1 million dollar Texas Lottery. The odds were 1 in 41.6 million chances, but a woman from Abilene, who was 23 years old and named Annabell Huerta, took home the winnings! Texan Ross Perot was running for the president and Bill Clinton, a former Governor of Arkansas, had won the democratic nomination.
Anthony Tanton and Andrea Johnson were chosen as co-winners of the FFA Member of the Year Award. Other winners included Andrew Howell, Bill Allen, Robert Smith, Gina Kelley, Roger Thompson, Joseph Flemens, Scotty Stewart, and Brandon Crowson. Drum Majors for the Wildcat band for the upcoming year had been selected and they were Pam Herrington and Stacey Mitchel.
"The time I served as Dairy Festival Queen of 1992 was a wonderful time to live in Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County, and I'll say that the people there are the finest in the world," expresses Carolyn Clifton Hill. "I look foward to coming back in June 2009 and helping the Hopkins County Dairy Festival celebrate 50 years of tradition!"
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