HOLLY MEADOWS – Excitement continued among contestants and their families as they awaited the final segment of the Tucker County Fair Pageant to commence last Wednesday, at the fairground at Camp Kidd.
Tucker County Fair Queen winners L to R: Junior Fair Queen Karley Kyle, First Runner up to Queen Daphne Amanda Harper, Queen Daphne Kelsey Kyle and First Runner up to Junior Fair Queen Autumn Knotts.
This segment consisted of the competition for Queen Daphne and Junior Fair Queen. Competing for Junior Fair Queen were Autumn Knotts, Cassidy Davis, and Karley Kyle. Eleven year old Autumn said it was her second time competing in the pageant. “I’m excited because I want to see everybody’s dresses, and I like being on stage. My favorite part is struttin’ my stuff!” Cassidy, age 10, said it was her first pageant. “I’m excited because it’s my first time doing something like this. My favorite part is casual wear because I can wear what I want!” Eleven year old Karley is also new to the competition. “I’m very excited! I like casual wear because it shows your personality! I’m really excited and I’m going to do my best.”
Junior Fair Queen Karley Kyle and sister, Queen Daphne Kelsey Kyle to reign over the 2014 Tucker County Fair.
Tana Smith, age 19, says she is no stranger to competition with this being her seventh time competing in this pageant. She has also competed by showing her animals in the 4-H segment of the Tucker County Fair. “I’m excited and I’m ready. I know the ins and outs. My favorite part of the pageant is the gowns because each one is different.”
Kelsey Kyle, age 17, was competing for the third time in the fair pageant. “I’ve had fun getting ready and practicing to compete with my little sister Karley. My favorite part is the gown because you can see everyone’s personality through the dress they choose. I’m excited!”
Amanda Harper, age 16, was competing for the second time after winning the title of Junior Fair Queen in 2012. “A lot of girls came out this year to compete. There will be a lot of good competition, and I think no matter who wins, it’ll be a great experience for everyone. My favorite part is casual wear because that’s your chance to express your personality.”
Lindsay Knotts, age 16, said she was in the pageant as a flower girl and competed in the baby pageant, but never in the Queen’s pageant. “I’m excited. If I win I’ll be able to give all my friends their ribbons during the 4-H showings in the barn. My favorite part of the competition is casual wear because you can really feel comfortable in whatever represents you.”
Throughout the pageant, the crowd was entertained by Emcee Debbie Stevens and musical performances by Sandy Shaffer. Contestants competed in the categories of interview, fair promo, casual wear, and formal gown. Each contestant was asked to answer on-stage questions posed by Stevens. Individual interviews were conducted by the judges prior to the on-stage competition. Each fair promo was different as contestants tried their hardest to convince the audience why he or she should attend the Tucker County Fair. The casual wear segment allowed contestants to wear an outfit of her choice to express her own personality.
In the end, crowns were awarded to sisters Kelsey Kyle as Queen Daphne and younger sister Karley as Junior Fair Queen. First Runner Up for Queen Daphne was Amanda Harper and for Junior Fair Queen was Autumn Knotts. Miss Photogenic was awarded to Kelsey Kyle. Monetary scholarships will be awarded to Queen Daphne, Junior Fair Queen and Little Miss Tucker County during the annual Tucker County Fair Association Buyer’s Dinner, which will be held later this fall.
This year’s Pageant Coordinator was Phyllis Carr, who commented, “It’s all about the kids. Look how excited they are!” This year’s queens were crowned by last year’s Little Miss Tucker County Alyssa Hackney and Junior Fair Queen Jenna White. Queen Daphne 2013 Savannah Ambrose was unavailable to attend due to just beginning classes at West Virginia University in Morgantown. Sound equipment and audio services were provided by Joy Pro Music of St. George.