FREDERICKTOWN — On Wednesday, 28 charming young ladies in tomato red dresses filled the stage at the Fredericktown Tomato Show, vying for the 2010 Little Miss Tomato title.
Each contestant earned points based one her poise and appearance, and a two-minute interview conducted by Julie Chester. Each took home a crown, ribbons, silly bands and a free ride pass because, Chester said, “We are all winners.”
Emily Rook took top honors, becoming the 34th Little Miss Tomato. The daughter of Terri and Aaron Rook, Emily lives on a dairy farm and sometimes helps milk the cows. She talked about her family and said she likes horses.
“Grandpa has a lot of Percheron horses,” she said. Emily also said she got to hold the reins during the horse show at the Knox County Fair.
First runner-up Celeste Swihart likes soccer, and enjoys [thumb] swordfighting with her parents, Kathy and Brad Swihart.
Emma Hatfield, second-runner up, is learning to be a cheerleader, participates in gymnastics and likes stuffed animals and Barbie dolls. Emma is the daughter of Heidi and John Hatfield.
This summer, third runner-up Carlie Jo Crothers went to North Carolina. She recently had a birthday, and learned how to ride a two-wheel bicycle this summer. Her parents are Julie and Tim Crothers.
All the contestants have been invited to walk in today’s Kids’ Parade and will have the opportunity to ride on a float in Saturday’s parade.
