Macoupin County’s 53rd annual Fair Queen Pageant and 4th annual Junior Miss Fair Queen Pageant was held Tuesday, July 19th. Despite the unbearable heat, over 300 people showed their support for their contestants. 11 women aged sixteen to nineteen vied for the queen crown, as well as another 11 young ladies competing for the Jr. Miss Fair Queen title. The queen contestants presented themselves in 3 different outfits: formal black dress, swimsuit, and evening gown. The junior miss contestants also had 3 outfits: black formal dress, sportswear, and party dress. After the dress changes, the top 5 candidates were chosen and asked an on-stage question. After the questioning, the awards were announced!
The announcement of junior miss and queen was well anticipated during the evening, and it came about 2 hours later after the event kickoff. After long debate from the judges and numerous crowd cheers and chants, Mark Dugger finally had the long awaited announcements of the two new queens! The junior miss announcement was first: Michelle Gibbs – 4th runner up, Kaitlin Henrichs – 3rd runner up, people’s choice award, miss congeniality, Candace Conlee – 2nd runner up, Reese Marshall – 1st runner up, and the 2011 Junior Miss Macoupin County is Samantha Burns of Medora. Next on the itinerary was the crowning of the new queen! Kate Scheller of Mt. Olive was named 2011 Macoupin County as well as the most community service award. Alli Branham was 1st runner up, followed by: Kylie Frensko (2nd runner up), Catie Witt (3rd runner up & miss congeniality), Taylor Schwab (4th runner up), and Noah Atkins-Harris (people’s choice). Immediately following the announcement, many gathered around stage-side to view Queen Kate Scheller stroll the stage with her bouquet of roses.
Before the crowning took place, the 2010 royalty shared what their experience has been like representing Macoupin County. Jr. Miss Hannah Ruffatto tearfully struggled through her speech as she thanked many supporters and many people who have dedicated countless hours for her to hold up her position as Jr. Miss. Hannah thanked the community, “Thank you Macoupin County for letting me represent you this past year. This title means the world to me and I have created memories that will last a lifetime. I was always proud to promote our fair and community, and look forward to handing this great title to the next queen!” 2010 Queen Megan Broom followed. Megan based her speech on one simple quote. This quote has led her to who she is today and has had a huge impact on the accomplishments she has won. “Be yourself, be who you are! I have learned a lot about myself this past year,” Megan said, “I found who I am and who I am not and who I will not be. I will forever miss the parades, carnivals, and great times I have spent with Braley, Jake, and Hannah.” Megan was cheerful about her reign and was proud to hand the crown to the next deservable contestant.
After one month practicing for the pageant, it has finally come to end, but the 2011 edition of Macoupin County Fair has just began! The fairgrounds will host the mud racing Thursday night, the tractor pull Friday night, and the demolition derby Saturday night, which is always the ultimate crowd pleaser.
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