Meet First Maid Madilyn Conrad
What was your first thought when your name was called?
I never really thought, I’m super involved in the festival, but more on the ag side, I never really thought this was something I could do. Then I said to myself that I needed to get my priorities in line and if I wanted to try it, I should. There was no reason I had to just do one or the other. Whenever I was called, I remember feeling it was signification of relief. Kendall and Kennedy and I have grown up together so to all be able to do this, it’s very exciting.
What was your family’s reaction?
My family is pretty much everything for me. I’m often overwhelmed to know I have that much support and love. My dad is a typical cowboy and to see even him tear up a little, that shocked me. I have so much support in my corner. My little brother was excited, too, and I had friends from up north come down for this.
How would you describe your personality in one word?
Probably calm. I never get super worked up about anything. I’m a girl so sometimes I do get a little emotional, but that’s honestly really rare. Oh and I never meet a stranger. Anything that’s thrown at me I just take and calmly respond too.
What’s something interesting about you?
Most people know I’m really into agriculture and showing, but I’ve actually been to 28 states and won 42 belt buckles. It’s something I take very seriously and I work very hard to ensure I’m competing at my best level.
What are you most excited to eat at the festival?
Pickle Barrel steak tips. I’m obsessed with them. Obsessed.
What are you most looking forward to about the festival?
I’m really excited to experience the festival with these four. While I’m very active in the festival every year, I’m usually only staying around the ag side of the grounds. To be able to branch out and really experience everything, especially with this group, that’s something I’m excited about.
What is your most used emoji?
That one that’s the blushing face with the hands up.
Who is someone you admire? Who is a woman you admire?
Tim Tebow due to the fact that he’s gone through college football, the NFL, MLB and still has held onto his faith and his principles. He lives the Gospel of Jesus and doesn’t let anything distract him. That’s a super admirable quality. A woman I admire is my great grandmother. She’s 87 and still gets on the lawn mower every day. She doesn’t stop and I really admire her a lot.
What is a book or story from childhood that had an impact on your life?
Mine is probably Ramona and Beezus because my sister and I probably acted a lot like them… I read probably every single book published by Beverly Cleary.