CASSOPOLIS – It just would not be the Cass County Fair without local royalty selected to help serve as an ambassador to the upcoming week’s events and competitions.

Saturday night, that tradition continued at the Cass County Fair Grounds as Shaelyn Bundy, 18, of Dowagiac, was selected to lead the court as queen.

Standing on stage before a crowd of more than 50 people, Bundy broke into a wide grin when the glittering crown marking her as the 2018 Cass County Fair Queen was placed on her head. Clasping a bouquet of flowers, Bundy reflected on her win.

“[It was] amazing,” Bundy said. “I learned to love all of these girls. I was just happy for whoever was going to win. I would have been happy no matter what.”

The 2018 Cass County Fair Royalty Contest took place Saturday, at the Cass County Fair Grounds. It is among the events that help to kick off the annual fair, which began Friday and runs through Sunday. Youth who participate have the chance to represent their communities and win scholarships by obtaining a title.

This year’s fair theme is “Fair Tales Do Come True,” and so competitors answered questions such as what fairy tale do you most relate to? And who is your favorite super hero?

Bundy is the daughter of Brad and Stephanie Bundy and a senior at Dowagiac Union High School. Outside of the Cass County Fair, Bundy is a cheerleader, a member of the Future Farmers of America and shows her draft horses at a variety of competitions.

In addition to a crown and sash, Bundy also won a $750 scholarship. As fair queen, she will help to welcome fair goers to events and award youth during various competitions and showings. But first order of business, Bundy said, will be ordering a pretzel from the pretzel stand.

Bundy is not the first in her family to compete in the Cass County Fair Royalty Contest. Her older brothers, twins BJ and Blake, also competed and have won titles.

As queen, Bundy said she feels she has the opportunity to make an influence on other youth.

“I hope to teach other youth to try [the competition],” Bundy said. “Even if you don’t win, it’s all about the experience. Always try new things and don’t be afraid to try something because you don’t know if you will be good at it.”

While the those who participated Saturday where competitors, many lamented that no matter who won, the youth were all rooting for each other.

Cass County Fair King Drew Russell, 15, of Constantine, described it as a “fun” experience, and first runner up for king Christopher Mosher, 16, of Marcellus agreed.

“Just in it for the fun,” he said.

Dowagiac’s Deonna Cross, 11, the first runner up for princess, said the competition is about more than gaining a crown.

“Just have fun and never be discouraged,” Cross said. “Because if you don’t win, you’re still a winner inside.”

Rounding out the 2018 Cass County Fair Court are:

Queen: Shaelyn Bundy, 18, of Dowagiac

King: Drew Russell, 15, of Constantine

Princess: Zoe Weaver, 11, of Granger

Prince: Paul Thomas, 12, of Niles

First runner up for queen: Kerith Spake, 16, of Edwardsburg

First runner up for king: Christopher Mosher, 16, of Marcellus

First runner up for princess: Deonna Cross, 11, of Dowagiac

First runner up for prince: Adrian Edwards, 10, of Edwardsburg