Spring Fair’s May Day queen is active in agriculture

The new May Day queen has a busy daily schedule.

Gustine High School senior Alexandria Lopes is the Associated Student Body president at her school, a post she also held for her sophomore class. She volunteers through the Interact program, and is the varsity cheerleading captain.

But she has also been an agriculture learner for most of her life. So the prospect of representing the head of the queen’s court for the Merced County Spring Fair is an honor.

“I was in complete shock,” Lopes said about when she heard her name called at the annual dinner and dance March 26. “I am so overjoyed.”

This year, the competition’s unique twist included creating a live 30-second commercial advertising the fair. Lopes performed her commercial with a “Fresh Prince of Bel Air” theme, rapping about the fair while wearing overalls and a hat.

The Merced County Spring Fair opened on April 27 at the Los Banos Fairgrounds and runs through May 1. Lopes will be spending her time at the fair visiting the attractions and shows.

Lopes will be joined by first runner-up Taylor Rain Coleman from Pacheco High School and second runner-up Karleen Lopez from Los Banos High School.

“I would really like to push forward advocating agriculture,” Lopes said, noting how her family has actively participated in the fair.

Lopes herself has been an avid agriculture enthusiast. She has showed in the fair before joining 4-H Club, then Future Farmers of America.

This story was originally published April 28, 2016 at 1:31 PM with the headline "Spring Fair’s May Day queen is active in agriculture."