WABASH, Ind. – Wabash resident Chris Benson was recently honored with the presentation of the Josephine Hauck Award during the 2018 Indiana State Festivals Convention in Indianapolis. The annual award honors an individual who has contributed to the building of festivals in the State of Indiana. The award was named to recognize Josephine Hauck, founder of the Indiana State Festivals Association in 1973. Josephine served as the Executive Director of the 500 Festival, growing it into one of the greatest festivals in the USA.
Chris was also recognized for serving as the Indiana State Festivals Pageant Director for the past 18 years. Mrs. Benson says that working along side the other members of the ISFA Board is a privilege and being able to work with amazing young women from around the state is an honor.
Chris’ love of pageants began in 1991 when she attended her first pageant. She served as director of the Wabash County Scholarship Pageant for 14 years before retiring to focus on the state pageant.