1996 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen
Amber Holt
It Was "Yaba Daba Moo" In Dairyland
For 1996 Pageant
When Hopkins County paused to celebrate the 1996 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Week, a theme of "Cartoon Favorites Visit Dairyland" was chosen, with floats and staging reflecting favorite cartoon characters, with a special "take" on milk and dairy products.
The year 1996 found Mike Miesse and Selina Bryan winning seats on the Sulphur Springs City Council and Mike Vaughn and Aubrey Washington not seeking re-election. In the local hospital board election it was Charles Gilreath that was returned to the board and local attorney, W.T. Allison II, winning a term on the board.
1996 found the two largest milk cooperatives in the U.S., Mid-Am and AMPI, warning consumers that their milk would likely rise in price 20-30 cents a gallon, due to increases in grain prices, fuel, and fertilizer, on the farm level.
And, the Texas Utilities Report, that reflects agricultural trends in the Northeast Texas Region, revealed that ag income in Hopkins County had dropped 13.4% during 1995.
And, Hopkins County was poised for a record-breaking heat wave in 1996, as the mercury hit 92 degrees on May 21st to set a new heat record and the trend would continue throughout the summer season. Meanwhile, Sears was offering a new Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower for only $1399.00.
This float depicted "The Flinstones" in the 1996 Dairy Festival Parade and featured Amber Holt, Jandi DeWitt, and
Brandi Burney as Dairy Festival Candidates in "Yabba-Dabba-Moo."
Jeremy Wright, a student at North Hopkins High School, had won a PJC Journalism Scholarship, and SSHS Seniors Alexis Willingham and Justin April were chosen as May "Students of the Month." Damione Lewis and Denise Wright were chosen for the SSHS Forest Gree Awards, and Craig Clifton, Zach Potts, Billy Horton, and Courtney Wallace, received the "Fighting Heart" Awards for 1996.
And, folks were complaining about the rise in gasoline prices, in June 1996. It was priced at $1.28 a gallon and the media was accusing the major oil companies of "drawing down on their reserves to increase the price." U.S. Senator Phil Gramm had made a stop in Sulphur Springs in May 1996 and felt that the price increase would be "short-lived." He also was promoting a "track the cons" system that would identify those accused and convicted of sexual crimes in the U.S.
Inducted into the "Wildcat Hall of Fame" in 1996 were: Robert Bonner, Johnny Pearce, Bryan Burney, Larry Jordan, Warren Chancellor, Jr., Robbie Wilkins Newsom, and Lawrence Bramblett.
A 1996 Chevy Tahoe was priced at $26,988.00 and Jackson Motors in Sulphur Springs was advertising a special on a Fleetwood Cadillac for $30,850.00. And, the FCC had approved digital satellite radio for automobiles.
Rhandi Stribling, of Reilly Springs and a student at Yantis High School, has won a 3rd place in the Texas Big Game Awards, at their annual convention in Waco. And, a 14 year old girl from Winnsboro, who was reported missing, was believed to still be in the area and returned to Hopkins County. Meanwhile, 15 year old Brandon Smith, was killed in an accident on Fm-2560, as the van he was riding in overturned due to a blow-out, as he was riding to school.
This 1996 Dairy Festival float depicted "Yosimite Sam" mining for gold in Dairyland.
Wes Goggans and Justin Billodeau were the valedictorian and salutatorian at SSHS, while Delayne Vaughn and Brent Cotton won top honors at North Hopkins. Alisha Nelson and Kristi Bult were the top grads at Como-Pickton and Joseph Daniel Shelton and Danny Caldwell were at the top of the Sulphur Bluff graduating class. Mindy Boren and Leigh Ann Hedgecock were top grads at Yantis High School; Tracie Neal and Leah Gregory were the tops at Saltillo; and valedictorian and salutatorian at Cumby High School were Jinger Wheat and Weldon Hood. Top graduates at Miller Grove High School were Wendy Ethridge and April Lennon.
Miller Grove, Cumby, and North Hopkins Boy's Baseball Teams were in the play-offs in 1996, and Saltillo's Jennifer Payne was headed to the State Track Meet in two events. SSHS Pole Vaulter, Wes Goggans, was headed to the State Competition, ending a brilliant track and field high school career.
Erica Odom, 1995 Queen, crowns Amber Holt as the 1996 Queen.
Over 8,000 people had visited the Grand Opening of the South Sulphur Unit of Cooper Lake, on its opening weekend of May 10th and it was reported that over $8,000.00 had been raised for "Project Celebration," a party for SSHS seniors, as an alternative following graduation night.
Elected as cheerleaders for the 1996-97 year at SSHS were Casey Cassady, Amber Holt, Chandra Deel, Jandi DeWitt, Leslie Laeding, Ashley Westbrook, Juliette Johnson, Amanda Vaculik, Jodi Mullins, Rekayla Pryor, Chris Hanna, Shelbi Charles, and Desiree Cole.
"Intense Heat" was the by-words around Hopkins County and comparisons were being made to the year 1972, when the county had hardly any summer rains. And, the idea of a "NETBIO" Sale was formulated to group a large number of feeder calves from local farmers to attract buyers to the area, and help with the drouth situation on local farms, early in June. Things were so extreme that a Waco area farmer was reported to be posting a $500.00 reward for information leading to the arrest of a "hay thief" on his farm.
"Herding Big Birds" was the title of a local article that stressed the importance of the exotic Emu bird, as a possible new animal enterprise in Hopkins County. And, a Winburn Milk Truck had overturned on a bridge on County Road 2436, near Reilly Springs, causing the truck to fall into the creek below.
A new HIV hometest had been approved by the Federal Drug Administration, while a "giant asteroid" was headed within 279,000 miles of earth.
Amber Holt seated on the throne, following being named Queen in 1996.
Other stories from 1996 included Garry Jordan accepting the pastorship of Martin Springs Baptist Church, and a new sign being errected at the Sulphur Springs Practice Field deeming it the "James Cameron Athletic Complex."
Kwaesi Palmer had been named All-American in football and Stacy Cody had been elected Mayor of Sulphur Springs, but Kenneth Bell had filed a complaint, citing the vote "discriminatory."
Sulphur Springs was making plans for water rationing, as early as mid-May, and by June 1st, Hopkins County Agent Tommy Barker estimated that $2.5 million dollars had already been lost in hay production and pasture damage, due to the drouth conditions.
Chicken Express was advertising their "8 piece meal" for only $7.99 and Sulphur Springs' Jill Dunlap was headed to Little Rock, Arkansas, to compete in the World Tae Kwon Do Tournament.
On the National and International scene, it was one of the worst blizzards in history that had plagued the East Coast of the U.S., killing more than 100 people. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, had received over 30 inches of snow in the blizzard. Hashimoto had become president of Japan and the "Whitewater" Scrandal was unveiling in Washington D.C., with efforts to implicate First Lady Hillary Clinton.
Spirits were high in Dallas, as Super Bowl XXX was won by the Dallas Cowboys, making them an unprescedented 5 time winner of the title. They beat the Pittsburg Steelers, 27-17. And, "Ununbium" was discoverd as a new element on the scientific property table in 1996. The "Unabomber," Theodore Kaczynski, was captured in a remote Montana cabin, and arrested, as the Chicago Bulls won their 4th NBA Championship, defeating the Seattle Supersonics. "Braveheart" won Best Picture at the 68th Annual Academy Awards.
Top Movies for 1996 included: "Independence Day," that grossed over $306 million at the box office; "Twister;" "Mission Impossible;" "Jerry Maguire;" "Ransom;" "101 Dalmations;" "The Rock;" "The Nutty Professor;" "The Birdcage;" and the movie made from John Grisham's book, "A Time To Kill," depicting racial unjustice in the South.
These were the 14 young ladies that entered the 1996
Hopkins County Dairy Festival Contest.
On television in 1996, it was the following popular shows that were being watched: "Touched by An Angel," "Promise Land," "7th Heaven," "Second Noah," "Home Improvement," "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman," "The Cosby Show," "Family Matters," and "The Drew Carey Show."
In Country and Western music, 1996 found Alan Jackson's "Little Bitty," at the top of the list. Other popular songs included: Deana Carter's "Strawberry Wine," Mindy McCready's "Guys Do It All The Time," and George Strait's hits "Blue Clear Sky" and "Carried Away." Ty Herndon made popular "Living in a Moment" and Clint Black brought us "Like The Rain." Martina McBride made popular "Wild Angels" and Patty Loveless brought us the hit "Lonely Too Long." Brooks and Dunn sang "My Maria" and Tracy Lawrence brought us "Time Marches On." Other popular selections included: Garth Brooks' "The Beaches of Cheyenne;" LeAnn Rimes' "One Way Ticket;" "Heads Carolina, Tails California" by Jo Dee Messina; "It Matters to Me," by Faith Hill; and Lonestar's "No News."
A new revolution and dance had hit popularity on the Pop music chart with Los Del Rios introduction of "Macarena," folks in Hopkins County were reciting the popular tune and dancing the popular movements. And, Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men joined forces to produce the number 2 song, "One Sweet Day." Celine Dion was third with the popular "Because You Loved Me," and also produced "It's All Coming Back to Me Now." Other popular tunes included: "Nobody Knows" by Tony Rich Project; "Always Be My Baby," and "Fantasy" by Mariah Carey; "You're Makin' Me High" by Toni Braxton; "Twisted," by Keith Sweat; "Exhale (Shoop-Shoop)" by Whitney Houston; and "Stittin' in My Room" by Brandy. Eric Clapton produced "Change The World" and LL Cool J made popular "Hey Lover." Coolio brought us "Gansta's Paradise" and Hootie and the Blowfish made hits with "When I Get to Heaven" and "Time." It was George Michael that brought us "Fastlove."
The 1996 Dairy Festival Candidates at the Milking Contest accompanied by their parents.
When it came time to enter the Dairy Festival Contest, it was a record number of 14 candidates that chose to enter in 1996. Contestants included: Alecia Burks, representing Loan & Building State Savings Bank; Ashley Reeves representing the Junior Waverly Club; Amber Holt, representing the Kiwanis Club; Brandi Burney as the First National Bank representative; Bridgette Taylor representing First Stat Bank of Austin; Jandi DeWitt as the Mother's Culture Club representative; Brooke Newsom representing Feeders Supply; Kelli Boles representing Farm Bureau; Hayley Moore as the Sulphur Springs State Bank representative; Melisa Lynch representing First American Bank; Lori Holder representing the Rotary Club; Kristi Fuller representing City National Bank; Summer Daniel representing Dial Study Club; and Farmer's Co-op representative Shaunna Wrigley.
Longtime Hopkins County dairyman and registered Jersey cattle breeder, Brody Koon, of Brashear was named Parade Marshal for the 1996 parade.
The stage in 1996 reflected a replica of Sulphur Springs, complete with the Courthouse.
Bruce Fielden served as President of the Dairy Festival Board in 1996 and Tim Taylor was vice-president. Melanie Helm served as secretary and Judy Van Winkle was treasurer. Tony Cook was the reporter and Lynda Hager was the Pageant Director. Other board members included: Talley Bell, Pam Black, Mike Blount, Mary Campbell, Patricia Chase, Larry and Carrie Crowson, Rita Edwards, Debra Evans, Brit Fisher, Jerry and Peggy Gibby, Judy Jones, Jennifer Massey, Bobby McDonald, Clayton McGraw, Barbara Taylor, Jim Thompson, and Greg Walker.
Joy Allen won the 1996 Texas Ice Cream Contest sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce, during Dairy Festival Week.
The staging reflected individual shops in a fictional Hopkins County Dairyland.
With fourteen candidates, it was termed a "marathon" pageant and talent exhibition. Master of Ceremonies, John Ginn, "ran out of Aggie Jokes," long before the judges were finished with their tabulations. However, once they finished, it was Candidate #3, Amber Holt, the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Doug Holt and a junior at SSHS, that was crowned the new Dairy Festival Queen. She had sand a song from the musical "South Pacific" during the talent portion of the program.
Shaunna Wrigley was selected as first runner-up and Jandi DeWitt was selected as second runner-up in the 1996 contest. DeWitt won the ticket sales savings bond and Ashley Reeves was chosen by her fellow contestants as "Miss Congeniality."
Appearing on stage and in the parade as "Little Cartoon Favorites" were: Laine Anderson and Kaci Crowson as the Flinstones; Sam Long and Spencer Martin as Yosemite Sam; Mason and Mallory Rawson as the Smurfs; Maselyn Walker and Jacy Lawrence as The Jetsons; Cody Morgan and Kayla Phillips as the Flinstones; Trevor Johnson and Stevie Moore as Charlie Brown and Lucy; Tripp Reeves and Lauren Hargrove as Charlie Brown and Lucy; Cole Cable and Elizabeth Cook as Popeye and Olive Oil; Jed Walker and Shay-lynn Embrick as Sylvester and Tweety Bird; and Mason Morton and Alyssa Burney as Charlie Brown and Lucy.
During the pageant special entertainment was provided by Reigning Dairy Festival Queen, Erica Odom, who sang "Cry Me A River" and former Queen Karol Ann Taylor and Jeffrey Allan Wade, who sang "Desperado," "In This Life," and "Hold It Up To The Light."
A Queen's Reception was hosted by the Dairy Festival Board, in the exhibit hall of the Civic Center, following the coronation.
We found 1996 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen Amber Holt Winters living in Cleveland, Tennessee, today
Amber graduated from Sulphur Springs High School in 1997 and attended Lee University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2001, with a degree in Human Development. She earned a Masters Degree in Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Tech University, in 2005. She currently teaches 5th grade and was elected Building Level Teacher of the Year for 2008, advancing to the Regional Level of the Year for the school system.
"However, my greatest accomplishment, since serving as Dairy Festival Queen has been finding the man of my dreams, Robbie Winters, and marrying him in March 2002. We now have a beautiful baby girl, Lilly Kate, born in December 2008," exclaims Amber. "She is the joy of our lives and a true blessing from God!"
"Serving as Dairy Festival Queen truly enhanced my life by supplying me with fond memories and the opportunities to create relationships," continued Amber. "It instilled in me a strong sense of confidence and gave me the ability to set a goal and attain it. I'm thankful for the experience, because it took me from my comfort zone and challenged me to become a better public speaker, performer, and role model. Being a participant in Dairy Festival has givenme another thing in my life to look back on and be proud!"
When asked about advice that they she would give other girls considering the experience, Amber says that she would tell them to most definitely accept the challenge. "Work hard, but have fun!" exclaims Amber. "Choose a talent that you feel comfortable with and enjoy the experience. You don't want to look back with regrets, so savor each moment and don't take yourself too seriously. Allow yourself to relax and make the most of each opportunity. Don't allow any fears and anxieties to keep you from enjoying the experience. It's an amazing experience and you will be a better person for having taken part in this amazing Hopkins County tradition!"
Amber Holt Winters is shown today with her husband, Robbie Winters.
Among Amber's treasured memories are changing her song choice the week before the 1996 competition, but managing to learn the new music and lyrics. "I changed my mind on what song to sing and had to really work hard and practice, at the last minute," advises Amber. "But, managing to be successful with this aspect of the competion, gave me added confidence!"
"I remember singing Some Enchanted Evening, from the broadway Musical, South Pacific," continued Amber. "I wore an elegant, red, evening gown and felt like a dream!"
"The Pride of Amber and Robbie's life".....Lilly Kate Winters, born in December 2008!!!
One of Ambers favorite memories was witnessing her parents milking in the Milking Contest. Neither of them knew how to milk a cow or had spent time on a farm. They were actually winning the contest, but the cow kicked over the bucket, spilling every drop they had managed to accumulate! "I believe they got more milk on each other than they ended up with in the bucket!" laughs Amber. "I still smile with remembrances of the event!"
Amber hopes to be able to return to Hopkins County in June 2009 and participate in the 50th Golden Anniversary activities. "Dairy Festival was truly a unique experience in my life, and one that I will always hold dear," states Amber. "And, I look forward to sharing my special memories with the other queens and members of the Dairy Festival Board!"
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