By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
BERRIEN SPRINGS - The 60th annual Berrien County Youth Fair (BCYF) got underway with the crowning of the fair king and queen on Sunday afternoon.
Laura Kulis, a 17-year-old from Buchanan, was crowned queen from a field of 16 contests. She is the daughter of Len and Kathy Kulis of Buchanan. Her brother Matt Kulis, held the title of BCYF King in 2002.
As part of the contest the final five contestants were each asked a question. The queen contestants were asked what is biggest challenge facing teens today?
Kulis' reply was, "The biggest challenge for teens today is making the right choices and making the right choices for oneself."
This year Kulis will be a senior at Buchanan High School. Upon graduation she plans to attend Lake Michigan College and then transfer to Central Michigan University.
This year Kulis volunteered with the 4-H, We Can Ride program and had a wonderful time.
At this year's fair Kulis would love to get the senior showmanship award in poultry.
Kulis shows chickens, turkeys, swine and a rabbit at the fair and has been doing so for 12 years.
Taking home the king's title was Brandon Vance of Three Oaks. He is the son of Pat and Cheri Vance.
Upon graduation from River Valley High School, Vance is looking to attend Lake Michigan College and then either transfer to a four year university or go into the Army.
Outside of school Vance volunteers many hours of his time to different community organizations including the Three Oaks Lions Club's haunted house and with the baseball community service, helping to clean up the fields, and getting new equipment.
As a finalist he answered the question, "If you could be anyone else who would it be?"
Contestants for the 2005 BCYF Queen included, Ashley Baker of Buchanan; Shannon Blackwell, Niles; Melanie Bydak, Buchanan; Dana Fellows, Coloma; Melanie Galles, Benton Harbor; Jessica Gunn, Buchanan; Katrina Keefer, Galien; Katie Lange, Stevensville; Clair Molnar, Buchanan; Jessica Murphy, Niles; Amy Quinn, Watervliet; Allison Reifschneider, Stevensville; Lindsay Ridenour, St. Joseph; Sarah Schmaltz, Baroda and Hannah Wlideman, Watervliet.
Competing with Vance for the 2005 BCYF King title was Louis Noakes of Berrien Springs.
The Berrien County Youth Fair opened officially this morning with opening ceremonies and continues through Saturday, Aug. 20.