Nearly a month after the Old Settlers’ Day coronation, the reappopinted Fairhaven royalty made its first public appearance as a group Saturday, July 26, at South Haven Days. Teresa Erickson and Jodine Lemke, new queen and princess respectively, and Chelsey Wipper, Miss Congeniality, made their debut in the South Haven Parade and at the Little Miss South Haven coronation where they led contestants in a group dance. Lemke, the first Little Miss South Haven in 1996, was also recognized at the coronation for returning with a princess status. Former Fairhaven princess, Erickson and contestant Lemke were asked by the Old Settlers’ Day committee to accept the new titles and responsibilities after the former queen, Crystal Dorman, failed to comply with the rules of the competition and was dismissed. “I felt honored when they asked me,” Erickson said. “But this wasn’t the way I wanted to win. She (Dorman) had every aspect of being a good queen, she just couldn’t follow the rules.” To the new queen committee chair, Cheryl Miller, and the new royalty, abiding by the rules and changing Fairhaven’s reputation is something of utmost importance. “We were all shocked when [Dorman was removed],” Wipper said. “Last year was bad and no one did anything about it.” Wipper, along with her new Fairhaven royalty, aim to im-prove Fairhaven’s reputation by “getting the good town back.” “There have been some bad years in the past, and we want to change that,” Wipper said. Lemke agreed. “We’re ready to make the town better and start on a clean slate,” Lemke said. “I want the town to be happier and more together, so we can go over to each other’s houses and if you need someone, they are there. We can count on each other.” According to Erickson, as royalty, the girls’ duties include: attending parades and required events, volunteering and helping out in the community. Keeping active Making public appearances, serving as representatives of Fairhaven and fulfilling royal duties are only a few of the activities the girls are involved in. Erickson is a class representative on student council, as well as a member of two bands. She also enjoys cheerleading, track and dance line. Lemke and Wipper spend a lot of time working. Lemke enjoys softball and devotes the majority of her free time to her iguana who she said, is probably mad at her right now because she is so busy. Wipper is active in band, gymnastics and volleyball. She also enjoys babysitting. Making a commitment Being royalty is a lot more than just parades and town festivals, it is a serious commitment. “It takes a lot of time,” Lemke said. Erickson agreed. “But it’s worth it,” Erickson added. There is also a certain amount of a monetary commitment involved, Wipper said. “It can cost a lot of money for dresses and doing your hair,” she said. To the Little Miss South Haven contestants the royalty coached for their competition, the girls had some advice: Don’t Give Up “If you don’t get it the first year, just try again,” Erickson said. “If you really want it you can get it.” Educate yourself “Make sure you know what you are getting into because you have to rearrange your schedule to make time for work and fun,” Lemke said. “And be serious. If you think its a joke, don’t do it.” Have fun but be responsible “Have fun and be yourself,” Wipper said. “And if you do get crowned, make sure you do whatever you have to do that goes with it.”
