Danvers Woman Crowned Mrs. Essex County As Topsfield Fair Wraps Up 207th Year

DANVERS, MA — Clarice Menesale's crowning moment provided a bright ray of sunshine during a stormy end to the 207th Topsfield Fair this past weekend.

The Danvers woman was named Mrs. Essex County as part of the 54th pageant at the Fairgrounds. Menesale was one of four contestants participating in this year's pageant. The other women were Patricia Armstrong of Danvers, Kristie Eaton of Groveland, and Susan Hallam of Salem.

The contestants were judged on poise, general stage presence, an interview, and a culinary arts submission, which this year was their favorite tailgate appetizer.

Menesale placed third for her clam dip in this year's food contest. Hallam placed first for her game day cheese soup and Eaton placed second with her Piggies Royale.

Eaton was also named Mrs. Congeniality by the other contestants.

The Topsfield Fair’s Mrs. Essex County Pageant is open each year to married women currently living in Essex County who are at least 18 years of age. Each contestant submits a prepared food item. In keeping with Topsfield Fair's agricultural roots, contestants are urged to "Buy Local" and use ingredients from local farms in their entries.

As Mrs. Essex County, Menesale will assist in the Essex Agricultural Society's goal to educate the public regarding the organization's importance in an atmosphere of fun and excitement through the Topsfield Fair.

The Fair wrapped up its 207th run on Monday.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)