Peyton woman will reign as county fair queen

A Peyton woman whose interests exemplify the area's agricultural past and is planning a future in broadcast journalism will reign over the fairgrounds in Calhan this summer as queen of the 2009 El Paso County Fair.

Dayna Jenkins, 21, was chosen from a field of five hopefuls last weekend at a contest at the fairgrounds based on public speaking, horsemanship and an interview.

The daughter of Delbert and Donna Jenkins of Ordway, Jenkins is a 2006 graduate of Edison High School. She attends the University of Northern Colorado, majoring in journalism. She plans a career in broadcasting and as an interpreter for the hearing impaired.

Jenkins was an Edison Drylanders 4-H Club member for nine years. Her projects included beef, swine, rabbit, American Sign Language and veterinary science.

She served as president of National Honors Society, student body president, class president, 4-H club president, valedictorian of her high school class, KRDO Alive to Strive Student of the Year and is on the dean's list at UNC.

Jenkins played volleyball at Northeastern Junior College and coached volleyball at Platte Valley High School.

The 104th El Paso County Fair runs July 18-25 in Calhan, 35 miles east of Colorado Springs on Highway 24.

Suzan Link, the fair's special events coordinator, said Jenkins will hand out ribbons to exhibitors and trophies to auto race winners.

"She'll be running from building to building," Link said.

She also will do radio and television interviews and visit area schools to promote the fair and appear at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo and the Elizabeth Stampede this summer, Link said.

One thing she won't get, due to the economy, is the traditional $1,000 gift certificate for her wardrobe from Western Warehouse, which went out of business recently.

Link said several events were held recently, such as a clinic for queen candidates, which raised $400 for her wardrobe. "We're still looking for sponsorship for her photos," she said.

New fair attractions include Bear Mountain and Reptile Adventure. Entertainment includes auto races, Rough Stock Rodeo, Got Talent Contest, modified truck and tractor pull, Monster Trucks and Demolition Derby.

For information, www.elpasocountyfair.com or 719-520-7880.

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Call Zubeck at 636-0238