PORT ANGELES — Three young women have been announced as royalty candidates for the 2018 Clallam County Fair.
Port Angeles High School sophomores Eva O’Neil and Natalie Blankenship; and Forks High School junior Samantha Winger are the candidates for the fair’s royal court.
A coronation to determine the queen and princess is set for 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Home Arts Building at the Clallam County Fairgrounds, 1608 W. 16th St. The coronation is free and open to the public.
The 2018 Clallam County Fair is Aug. 16-19. The theme is “Paws on Parade.”
Here are details about the candidates:
• Blankenship, 16, is sponsored by Leitz Farm. Her mother is Kristin Blankenship.
She has been involved in the Clallam County Fair for multiple years. She is a member of Pony Express 4-H; horse is her project.
She plays the viola in the high school’s orchestra, which performed at Carnegie Hall last year.
Blankenship plans to attend Washington State University and earn a degree in veterinary science to become an equine surgeon.
• Winger, 17, is sponsored by Forks Avenue Real Estate. Her parents are Danny and Jolene Winger.
Samantha was a princess for the 2016 fair.
At Forks High School she is a cheerleader, plays on the softball team, and is a member of the National Honors Society.
She is also in the Running Start program at Peninsula College.
After receiving her Associate of Arts degree, she plans to transfer to Montana State University and work toward a degree to become an elementary school teacher.
• O’Neil, 16, is sponsored by Platypus Marine Inc. Her mother is Kim O’Neil.
She is a member of the Giddy Up & Grow 4-H Club. Her 4-H projects are veterinary science and team leadership.
She is in the Port Angeles Swim Club and on the Port Angeles High School swim team, and is a member of the honor society.
At school she is also involved in Sign Language Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and the Feiro Marine Life Center’s Science Robotic Club.
Next year, she plans to enroll in Running Start at the college, earn her associate of arts degree and then transfer to receive a degree in epidemiology.
