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'Talked at or gawked at,' Mrs. Essex County has loved it all

By Amanda McGregor
STAFF WRITER
Published: October 10, 2008

Whether she was waving from a convertible, gingerly hoisting herself onto a towering Clydesdale hitch or reading to a classroom of children, Karen Moniz said her year as Mrs. Essex County has been unforgettable.

Moniz won the annual Mrs. Essex County Pageant at the end of last year's Topsfield Fair, which means she has since been an ambassador of sorts for the Essex Agricultural Society, which runs the fair.

And it's not a title she takes lightly.

"I'm the hostess of the 190th fair," said Moniz, of Topsfield. "I feel honored. I feel responsible for a lot."

Her duties at the fair this week have included walking to each agricultural building every morning to greet the superintendents, as well as pulling raffles, placing ribbons and announcing entertainment acts.

"The minute my foot sets on the fairgrounds, I am Mrs. Essex County," she said.

Moniz, 43, grew up in Salem and graduated from Salem State College. She works as a special education aide at Cole School in Boxford. She and her husband, Dave, have two children, Sarah, 19, a sophomore at Bucknell University, and Tim, 17, a senior at Masconomet High School.

To qualify for Mrs. Essex County, women must be at least 18 years old, married and live in Essex County. They are judged on general appearance, poise, personality and food. (This year, contestants must submit a homemade casserole; last year, it was a dessert.)

The women are screened through a preliminary interview and receive a call the evening before the Sunday pageant if they have been chosen as a contestant.

The 38th annual Mrs. Essex County Pageant will take place tomorrow, when Moniz will hand off her title to the next Mrs. Essex County (although she gets to keep her tiara). But she's not leaving the pageant entirely; she has been asked to become the pageant emcee from here on out, a role she happily accepted.

"I'm now a member of an amazing sisterhood," she said. "They've asked me to keep coming back, and I really enjoy public speaking."

Q&A with Mrs. Essex County, Karen Moniz

Why did you want to be Mrs. Essex County?

I entered as a 20th anniversary gift to my husband. ... I read the handbook and as I skimmed the qualifications, I checked off each one. And I was so glad there was no mention of a bathing suit competition!

What happened after you were crowned?

There is a little Champagne reception, and then the former Mrs. whisks you away. It's a true test of being able to speak extemporaneously because, almost right away, there is a microphone in your hand and you go to the grandstand stage.

Scary moment?

I had to pin a ribbon on a horse. They thunder toward you on the stage and you have to stay still, clip it onto the bridle, and they tell you to quickly jump back. A few Mrs.'s nearly lost their crown.

Embarrassing moment?

Getting on the Hallamore (eight-horse Clydesdale) Hitch. The stair is this high (gesturing to chest level). I had my leg up in the air and the guys had to push me. It was not ladylike at all.

What does Mrs. Essex County wear?

The attire is classically elegant but county fair, all wrapped in one. I did buy some stuff I wouldn't have had. I got a black, suede cowgirl jacket with gold, bangly beads.

How many fair outfits do you have?

I have at least 30 outfit combinations laid out, because I'm here every day SEmD morning, noon and night — and the weather can change during the day."

Does it get pricey?

I started shopping consignment. There were three shops I frequented over the year. That's been very fun. It just kills me to pay full price.

What's your Topsfield Fair connection?

I have always loved the fair. My parents (Keith and Carol Chapman of Salem) took my brother, sister and I every year. ... Then when my husband and I got married, we brought our kids. It's an important tradition.

Do you know about agriculture?

I grew up in Salem; I'm a city girl. The closest I ever came to a cow was the milk in my fridge. ... I've come to really appreciate every piece of produce I eat and glass of milk I drink, and the effort it takes before it comes to my table.

Best part of attending the fair as Mrs. Essex County?

To see the fair from the other side. The signs that say "Do not enter" — I get to go there. It's incredible to see how the fair runs, and all the volunteers who work here.

During the year, what have you done as Mrs. Essex County?

I gave invocations and greetings at banquets: the Essex Agricultural Society Banquet, the Beekeepers Association, the 4-H Congress, the Farm Bureau ... and parade appearances.

How do people react to Mrs. Essex County?

I'm either talked at or gawked at. Some people applaud it and understand what it took to become Mrs. Essex County, but some people laugh.

Does it seem silly or old-fashioned to you?

I came to realize it's not a beauty pageant. They're looking for something a lot deeper than outward beauty. It's the ability to stand in front of large crowds and be welcoming — to have the gift of hospitality. It's a very rewarding job.

What did you make for the food competition?

A variation of trifle with local ingredients: apples from Brooksby Farm, cider from Connors Farm and caramel from Putnam Pantry. It didn't win, but that's OK.

Are you nostalgic it's coming to an end?

I'm ready to pass on the responsibility; it was a lot of work. ... My daughter gave me a memory box to keep all my memories from this year, and I bought a journal and wrote it all down.

Want to go?

What: Mrs. Essex County Pageant

When: Sunday, Oct. 12, 2 p.m.

Where: Topsfield Fair, Coolidge Hall

Cost: Topsfield Fair admission

Photos