Topsfield Fair Crowns Mrs. Essex County As 206th Session Concludes

DANVERS, MA — Debra Stewart of Groveland was chosen out of a field of eight pageant contestants as the 53rd Mrs. Essex County as part of the final weekend of fair activities.

Laura Dike of Boxford, Emily Girard of Georgetown, Clarice Menesale of Danvers, Sharon Nambudripad Schiffer, Sandra Plona of Rowley, Bethany Grace Proctor Christianson, and Denielle Ameen Reich of Wenham were the other contestants.

I'm beyond blessed and honored to be selected as Mrs. Essex County 2025," said Stewart, who works at registration at Anna Jaques Hospital. "I can't wait to serve as the ambassador for next year's Fair."

Stewart's cookie butter cheesecake won first place in the food competition. Menesale placed second with her chocolate cream pie and Plona placed third with her strawberry angel food cake.

Plona also received the Beth Geddes Award named in honor of Geddes, who passed away from breast cancer midway through her run as Mrs. Essex County. Schiffer was named Mrs. Congeniality by the other contestants.

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

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, Stewart will be instrumental 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 Parent & Child Cookie Celebration Contest was also held on Saturday. This year's theme was Favorite Things To Do At The Topsfield Fair and all three winners were from Ipswich.

Ashley and Anna Whippen won $40 and a blue ribbon, Julia and Jean Hubbard won $15 and a red ribbon, and Ailie and Jean Hubbard won $10 and a white ribbon.

Also from this year's Topsfield Fair:

• How Sweet It Is: Topsfield Fair Harvest Bake Contest Winners
  
• Danvers Boy, Middleton Girl Named Topsfield Fair Junior King & Queen
• Great Pumpkin!: Sharon Man Wins Record 4th Topsfield Fair Giant Crown

This year's Fair ran from Oct. 4 through Oct. 14.

(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.)