Lacy Jane Folger crowned 'Miss Hampton Beach 2008'

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New Miss Hampton Beach crowned

By Patrick Cronin

Hampton Union, Tuesday, July 29, 2008

[The following article is courtesy of the Hampton Union and Seacoast Online]

Miss Hampton Beach 2008 Lacy Jane Folger, left, is crowned by 'Miss Hampton Beach 2007' Leah Grondin at the Seashell Stage at Hampton Beach on Sunday.
[Scott Yates Photo]

HAMPTON — Lacy Jane Folger is the new Miss Hampton Beach, and she has her late grandmother to thank for it.

"My grandmother grew up here, and she would always try to get me to enter the pageant," Folger said. "She wanted me to become a 'seashell queen.' And I did. It's kind of like a dream come true."

The 19-year-old beat out 20 other contestants Sunday, July 27 to take home the crown at the 62nd annual pageant.

"I'm just so excited right now," Folger said. "I can't believe it. It's overwhelming, but I'm very proud right now."

Folger, who is majoring in human development at Wheelock College in Boston, said the toughest part of the pageant wasn't the bathing suit or evening gown competitions.

It also wasn't the unscripted interview, where she was asked about her favorite event at Hampton Beach. Her answer was the Seafood Festival, although she also likes the Penguin Plunge — but said food "is the way to her heart."

"The toughest part of the pageant was that I became friends with all the other girls, and it was hard watching my friends walk away before I did," Folger said.

While Folger was just beginning her reign, last year's winner, Hampton native Leah Grondin, said her goodbyes.

"I really did enjoy my reign, and Hampton Beach is a great place to be queen," Grondin said.

Kirby Nadilo competes in the evening
wear portion of the pageant.
[Scott Yates Photo]

Grondin challenged the new queen of the beach to continue what has now become a tradition. For the last two years, the reigning Miss Hampton Beach has taken a dive in the Atlantic Ocean in February as part of the Penguin Plunge, which raises money for Special Olympics.

Grondin raised more than $2,000 and dove in the water, crown and all. "I'll be back for it," Folger said.

More than 1,000 people came out to watch this year's pageant, which featured contestants from New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

The other four finalists for the title were Kristen Brain, of Methuen, Mass., Brittany Dube, of Atkinson, Kirby Nadilo, of Stratham, and Christy Dunn, of Laconia.

Dube won the swimsuit competition, while Folger had the highest score in the interview. Katie Owens, of Exeter, took home the title of Miss Congeniality.

Members of Dance Vision Network performed three dances during the event, and pageant director and Miss Hampton Beach 1995 Stephanie Lussier sang a duet with Ronaldo Torres.

Miss Hampton Beach 2006 Allison Blais hosted the event and shared some very special news.

"I've got some good news," Blais said. "I just got engaged."

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