Hudson named Miss Glenn County

The Glenn County Fair opened this week against a backdrop of glitter and glamour as Rachelle Hudson was crowned Miss Glenn County.

The 18-year-old Orland High School senior will reign over the remaining events of the fair before embarking on a 12-month representation of the her home county at various fairs and events.

Hudson is the daughter of Bill and Rhonda Hudson, of Orland.

Hudson, who plans to become an art teacher, gave a dazzling speech on the education.

“Children experience life through knowledge,” Hudson said. “When you educate children, you are creating a more successful future.”

Hudson wore a sparkling gold sequined gown when her father, Bill, escorted her on stage. She was joined by Elizabeth Sampson, of Orland, Laurel Somerville, of Elk Creek, Christa Prior, of Willows, Laurin Moniz, of Orland, and Stephanie Askeland, of Orland. 

As Miss Glenn County, Hudson earned a $500 scholarship, which she can use when she attends Chico State University in the fall with a double major of art and kinesiology.

Sampson, the daughter of Tom and Lynn Sampson, of Orland, was crowned First runner-up. She will receive a $300 scholarship, which she plans to use when she attends Butte College in the fall before transferring to Sonoma State University.

Somerville, the daughter of Jeff and Margaret Somerville, of Elk Creek, was crowned Second runner-up and will receive a $150 scholarship.

The remaining contestants will each receive a $100 scholarship.

Wednesday’s Miss Glenn County Pageant was the highlight of the Glenn County Fair’s opening day celebration. Connie Livingston organized the event, and her husband, Russ, served as Master of Ceremonies.

Russ Livingston said the judges had a very difficult task in their selection because all of the young ladies were articulate and poised.

“The best part of serving as host each year is working with all the contestants,” he said. “The worst part is that only one can by crowed. All of them have done a wonderful job.”

Before crowning Hudson as Miss Glenn County, 2007 Miss Glenn County Megan Bruce took her final walk across the stage.

The Glenn County Fair wraps up on Sunday, but there’s still plenty to see and do until then. Freestyle motocross, Friday’s main event, gets underway at the grandstands at 6:30 p.m.

On Saturday, don’t miss the fair parade, beginning at 10 a.m. in downtown Orland. The evening entertainment includes hypnotist Susan Rosen on Center Stage at 7:30 p.m., followed by the band “Northern Heat” at 9 p.m. The main event on Saturday will be the destruction derby at the grandstands at 7 p.m.

On Sunday, the gates will open at noon for the fiesta day celebration. The main event is the Mexican Rodeo at the grandstands from 2 to 6 p.m.