Meet Mrs. Essex County

TOPSFIELD, MA — Two decades ago, Priscilla Gerrard of Danvers won the 1997 Mrs. Essex County Pageant, serving as Mrs. Essex County during the following year's Topsfield Fair. Now Gerrard's daughter will experience the same thrilling honor.

Meaghan Eaton-Gerrard Shelton of Rockport received her crown this weekend as the 47th pageant winner at the country's oldest agricultural fair. It comes 20 years after her mother's win. Shelton will serve at next year's 200th anniversary of the Topsfield Fair. It's the first time a mother and daughter have won.

"It is an honor and I’m excited to represent the Essex Agricultural Society," said Meaghan Shelton. "I love the Topsfield Fair and remember how much fun it was to watch my mother when she served as Mrs. Essex County."

Shelton was also named Mrs. Congeniality by the other contestants, but the real honor came in the food competition: Her Pumpkin Crunch Cake came in second.

The contestants were judged on poise, general stage presence, an interview and a culinary arts submission.

The first runner up was Stephanie Lesiczka of Haverhill who took first place in the food contest for her Lemon-Lime Refrigerator Cake. She also received the Beth Geddes award, named after former a Mrs. Essex County who lost her battle to breast cancer mid-way through her reign.

Catherine Gallivan Frost of Beverly was named the second runner up.

The pageant is open to married women who are at least 18 and living in Essex County who are at least 18 years of age. Each contestant submits a prepared food item - the category this year was their family’s favorite cake.

Courtesy photo